Question

A nurse is admitting a client who reports experiencing a sore throat, productive cough, and fever for the past 3 days. NGN QUESTION: the nurse is reviewing the client's medical record. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

a) Obtain a sputum culture for the client to identify the pathogen causing the infection.
b) Prescribe antibiotics based on the client's reported symptoms.
c) Perform a rapid strep test to rule out streptococcal infection.
d) Document the client's symptoms and begin symptomatic relief measures.

Answer 1

The nurse should obtain a sputum culture, perform a rapid strep test, and document the client's symptoms while beginning symptomatic relief. Prescribing medications is not within the nurse's scope of practice and should be done by a licensed medical provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse admitting a client with symptoms of a sore throat, productive cough, and fever should take several important steps as part of the client's care. Firstly, the nurse should obtain a sputum culture to identify the pathogen causing the infection. This is vital to ensure that the appropriate antibiotic treatment can be given, should bacterial infection be confirmed.

Secondly, the nurse should perform a rapid strep test to rule out a streptococcal infection. This test can quickly indicate whether group A Streptococcus bacteria, which causes strep throat, is present, thereby helping with the diagnosis.

Finally, the nurse is responsible for documenting the client's symptoms and may begin measures to provide symptomatic relief. This might include things like advising on fever reducers or ensuring hydration. It should be noted that prescribing antibiotics is outside of the scope of nursing practice and is a decision that must be made by a physician or other licensed provider who can diagnose and prescribe medication. Therefore, option (b) is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take.