Question

Which admission order written by the health care provider for a patient admitted with infective endocarditis (IE) and a fever would be a priority for the nurse to implement?

a. Administer ceftriaxone 1 gram IV.
b. Order blood cultures from two sites.
c. Schedule a transesophageal echocardiogram.
d. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) PRN for fever.

Answer 1

The priority for a nurse would be to obtain blood cultures from two sites for a patient admitted with infective endocarditis (IE) and a fever, as it guides the treatment plan with appropriate antibiotics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority admission order for a nurse to implement for a patient admitted with infective endocarditis (IE) and a fever would be to order blood cultures from two sites. This is critical because it helps identify the causative pathogens and informs the choice of antibiotics, which is key in the treatment of IE. While administering antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, and managing fever with Tylenol are also important, they follow after identifying the causative agent. Arranging a transesophageal echocardiogram is essential for diagnosis but does not supersede the urgency of obtaining blood cultures in a patient presenting with fever and suspected IE.