a nurse is caring for a patient with an infection which laboratory result is most important to monitor
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2019 A with NGN

1. A nurse is caring for a patient with an infection. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: White blood cell count (WBC). Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when caring for a patient with an infection as it helps assess the body's response to the infection. An elevated white blood cell count often indicates an active infection or inflammation, while a decreasing count may signal improvement or potential complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are nonspecific markers of inflammation and not as specific to monitoring infection progression as the white blood cell count. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and blood volume, but they are not the primary indicators for monitoring infection.

2. What is the priority action when a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the medication and notify the healthcare provider when a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication. This action is crucial to prevent further harm to the patient. Monitoring blood pressure (choice A) or urine output (choice D) may be important but is not the priority when managing an allergic reaction. Administering an antihistamine (choice C) should only be done after discontinuing the medication and consulting with the healthcare provider.

3. A nurse is teaching a client about levothyroxine for primary hypothyroidism. Which of the following statements should the nurse use when teaching the client?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tremors, nervousness, and insomnia indicate that the dose may be too high, requiring a dose adjustment.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) medication. What action should the healthcare professional take to ensure patient safety?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying the patient's identity using two identifiers is crucial to ensure the right patient receives the right medication. This process helps prevent medication errors by confirming the patient's identity through at least two unique identifiers, such as name, date of birth, or medical record number. Choice A is not directly related to ensuring patient safety during medication administration. Choice C is incorrect as medications should be prepared in a sterile environment, not just at the healthcare professional's station. Choice D is not a safe practice as medications should be administered at the scheduled time to maintain therapeutic effectiveness.

5. A nurse is monitoring a client following a thoracentesis. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as a complication and contact the provider immediately?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A nurse should identify an increased heart rate as a complication following a thoracentesis and contact the provider immediately. An increased heart rate may indicate a pneumothorax or other serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because decreased temperature, serosanguineous drainage, and discomfort at the puncture site are expected findings following a thoracentesis and do not indicate a significant complication requiring immediate provider notification.

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