how should a nurse assess a patient with a suspected infection
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Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with a suspected infection?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with a suspected infection, it is crucial to monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells. Elevated temperature indicates a potential infection, and increased white blood cells are a sign of inflammation and the body's response to an infection. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) and checking for fever (choice B) are not as specific indicators of infection as monitoring temperature and white blood cell count. Assessing changes in mental status and monitoring urine output (choice C) are important aspects of patient assessment but may not directly indicate a suspected infection. Administering antibiotics (choice D) should only be done after a confirmed diagnosis of a bacterial infection, as unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.

2. A nurse manager is discussing the responsibility of nurses caring for clients who have Clostridium difficile. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because having family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting a client with Clostridium difficile is essential to prevent the spread of infection. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Negative air-flow systems are not necessary for preventing the spread of C. difficile. While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective for routine hand hygiene, they may not be sufficient for C. difficile. Cleaning contaminated surfaces with a phenol solution is not the most effective method for preventing the spread of C. difficile, as spores can be resistant to many disinfectants.

3. When instructing a client with tuberculosis on home care, what is the priority teaching point?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take medication for 6-9 months.' The priority teaching point for a client with tuberculosis is to ensure they understand the importance of completing the entire course of medication. This is crucial to effectively treat and cure tuberculosis, prevent the development of drug-resistant strains, and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Choice A is incorrect as wearing a surgical mask at all times is not the priority teaching point for tuberculosis home care. Choice B is not the priority teaching point; while limiting visitors can help reduce exposure to others, completing the medication course is more critical. Choice D is not relevant to tuberculosis home care instructions.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer a rectal suppository to a school-age child. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Insert the suppository past the anal sphincters.' When administering a rectal suppository, it is essential to insert it past the anal sphincters to ensure proper placement and absorption. Choices A and B are incorrect because the suppository should be inserted further than just 1 or 2 cm into the rectum to reach the optimal absorption site. Choice D is incorrect as using two fingers is not necessary and may cause discomfort to the child.

5. A client at 30 weeks of gestation reports constipation. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct recommendation is to walk for at least 30 minutes every day. Walking stimulates intestinal motility, which can help relieve constipation during pregnancy. Option A is important for overall hydration but may not directly address constipation. Option B is not recommended without healthcare provider approval as some laxatives are contraindicated in pregnancy. Option C, increasing intake of refined grains, may exacerbate constipation due to lower fiber content.

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