Final answer:
A nurse should gather additional information about the duration of symptoms, associated symptoms, medical history, and recent exposures or travel, which can help in diagnosing and treating a patient with a sore throat and productive cough.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gathering Additional Information for a Patient with a Cough
When a nurse is admitting a client with a sore throat, productive cough, and fever, it is important to gather additional information to aid in the accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The nurse should inquire about the duration of symptoms, the presence of other symptoms such as headache, chest pain, and shortness of breath, any exposure to individuals with similar symptoms, and any relevant medical history such as asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. The nurse should also check for any recent travel history and any medications the patient has been taking, including over-the-counter remedies. This comprehensive clinical assessment is crucial for the healthcare provider to consider a range of diseases from influenza to more severe conditions like pneumonia or tuberculosis, especially when initial treatments have not been effective.
Other clinical signs such as swollen lymph nodes, fever measured in degrees, and changes in the nature of cough (e.g., from unproductive to productive) could be indicative of the progression of an illness and should be monitored closely. It is also essential to note if the patient has any other conditions that might be exacerbating the symptoms, such as pregnancy, which can affect the body's response to infections and the choice of treatments.