9.5k views
0 votes
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bacterial pneumonia and is taking ceftriaxone. Which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication?

A. WBC count 10,500/mm^3
B. Clear, bilateral breath sounds
C. Heart rate 110/min
D. Tolerates small meal servings

User Pavel Lint
by
8.5k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Final Answer:

Clear, bilateral breath sounds indicate a therapeutic effect of ceftriaxone in treating bacterial pneumonia by resolving inflammation and improving respiratory function

Therefore the correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin, is commonly prescribed for bacterial pneumonia due to its broad-spectrum coverage. The therapeutic effect of this medication is aimed at resolving the underlying infection, which, in the case of pneumonia, is typically manifested by improved respiratory function. Clear, bilateral breath sounds suggest that the pneumonia is responding positively to the antibiotic treatment.

The rationale behind choosing clear breath sounds as the indicator of therapeutic effect lies in the nature of bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia is characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue, leading to the accumulation of fluid and the development of respiratory symptoms such as crackles or diminished breath sounds. As the infection responds to ceftriaxone, the inflammation subsides, allowing for improved air exchange and clearer breath sounds upon auscultation.

Monitoring respiratory status is crucial in pneumonia management, and the presence of clear, bilateral breath sounds is a direct and tangible sign of improved pulmonary function. It indicates that the antibiotic is effectively addressing the bacterial infection, leading to the resolution of the inflammatory process within the lungs. This observation is a vital component of assessing the therapeutic response to ceftriaxone in a patient with bacterial pneumonia.

Therefore the correct option is B.

User Rok Novosel
by
8.4k points