LEWIS MED SURG. CH. 12 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH SOLUTIONS 2024
When assessing a patient who is receiving cefazolin (Ancef) for the treatment of a bacterial infection,
which data suggest that treatment has been effective?
A. White blood cell (WBC) count 8000/μL, temperature 101○ F
B. White blood cell (WBC) count 4000/μL, temperature 100○ F
C. White blood cell (WBC) count 8500/μL, temperature 98.4○ F
D. White blood cell (WBC) count 16,500/μL, temperature 98.8○ F - ANSWER C. White blood cell (WBC)
count 8500/μL, temperature 98.4○ F
This response is correct because both the WBC count and the temperature are within the normal range.
A normal WBC is 4000 to 11,000/μL. An elevated WBC count and elevated temperature are indicators of
infection.
A patient is ordered to receive acetaminophen 650 mg per rectum every 6 hours as needed for fever
greater than 102° F. Which parameter would the nurse monitor, other than temperature, if the patient
requires this medication?
A. Pain level
B. Intake and output
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Level of consciousness - ANSWER B. Intake and output
Because fever can lead to excessive perspiration and evaporation of body fluid via the skin, the nurse
should monitor the patient's overall intake and output to be sure that the patient remains in proper fluid
balance. Pain, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness will also be monitored as with all patients,
but intake and output are the priority for this patient.
The nurse determines that the patient may be suffering from an acute bacterial infection based upon
which laboratory test result?
, A. Increased platelet count
B. Increased blood urea nitrogen
C. Increased number of band neutrophils
D. Increased number of segmented myelocytes - ANSWER C. Increased number of band neutrophils
The finding of an increased number of band neutrophils in circulation is called a shift to the left, which is
commonly found in patients with acute bacterial infections. Platelets increase with tissue damage
through the inflammatory process and for healing but are not the best indicator of infection. Blood urea
nitrogen is unrelated to infection unless it is in the kidney. Myelocytes increase with infection and
mature to form band neutrophils, but they are not segmented. The mature neutrophils are segmented.
Which strategy by the nurse would be most helpful in treating a patient who is experiencing chills
because of an infection?
A. Provide a light blanket.
B. Encourage a hot shower.
C. Monitor temperature every hour.
D. Turn up the thermostat in the patient's room - ANSWER A. Provide a light blanket.
Chills often occur in cycles and last for 10 to 30 minutes at a time. They usually signal the onset of a rise
in temperature. For this reason, the nurse should provide a light blanket for comfort but avoid
overheating the patient.
A patient with pneumonia has a fever of over 103 F. What should the nurse do to manage the patient's
fever?
A. Administer aspirin on a scheduled basis around the clock.
B. Provide acetaminophen every 4 hours to maintain consistent blood levels.
C. Administer acetaminophen when the patient's oral temperature exceeds 103.5° F.
D. Provide drug interventions if complementary and alternative therapies have failed. - ANSWER B.
Provide acetaminophen every 4 hours to maintain consistent blood levels.
AND ANSWERS WITH SOLUTIONS 2024
When assessing a patient who is receiving cefazolin (Ancef) for the treatment of a bacterial infection,
which data suggest that treatment has been effective?
A. White blood cell (WBC) count 8000/μL, temperature 101○ F
B. White blood cell (WBC) count 4000/μL, temperature 100○ F
C. White blood cell (WBC) count 8500/μL, temperature 98.4○ F
D. White blood cell (WBC) count 16,500/μL, temperature 98.8○ F - ANSWER C. White blood cell (WBC)
count 8500/μL, temperature 98.4○ F
This response is correct because both the WBC count and the temperature are within the normal range.
A normal WBC is 4000 to 11,000/μL. An elevated WBC count and elevated temperature are indicators of
infection.
A patient is ordered to receive acetaminophen 650 mg per rectum every 6 hours as needed for fever
greater than 102° F. Which parameter would the nurse monitor, other than temperature, if the patient
requires this medication?
A. Pain level
B. Intake and output
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Level of consciousness - ANSWER B. Intake and output
Because fever can lead to excessive perspiration and evaporation of body fluid via the skin, the nurse
should monitor the patient's overall intake and output to be sure that the patient remains in proper fluid
balance. Pain, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness will also be monitored as with all patients,
but intake and output are the priority for this patient.
The nurse determines that the patient may be suffering from an acute bacterial infection based upon
which laboratory test result?
, A. Increased platelet count
B. Increased blood urea nitrogen
C. Increased number of band neutrophils
D. Increased number of segmented myelocytes - ANSWER C. Increased number of band neutrophils
The finding of an increased number of band neutrophils in circulation is called a shift to the left, which is
commonly found in patients with acute bacterial infections. Platelets increase with tissue damage
through the inflammatory process and for healing but are not the best indicator of infection. Blood urea
nitrogen is unrelated to infection unless it is in the kidney. Myelocytes increase with infection and
mature to form band neutrophils, but they are not segmented. The mature neutrophils are segmented.
Which strategy by the nurse would be most helpful in treating a patient who is experiencing chills
because of an infection?
A. Provide a light blanket.
B. Encourage a hot shower.
C. Monitor temperature every hour.
D. Turn up the thermostat in the patient's room - ANSWER A. Provide a light blanket.
Chills often occur in cycles and last for 10 to 30 minutes at a time. They usually signal the onset of a rise
in temperature. For this reason, the nurse should provide a light blanket for comfort but avoid
overheating the patient.
A patient with pneumonia has a fever of over 103 F. What should the nurse do to manage the patient's
fever?
A. Administer aspirin on a scheduled basis around the clock.
B. Provide acetaminophen every 4 hours to maintain consistent blood levels.
C. Administer acetaminophen when the patient's oral temperature exceeds 103.5° F.
D. Provide drug interventions if complementary and alternative therapies have failed. - ANSWER B.
Provide acetaminophen every 4 hours to maintain consistent blood levels.
