Question

A young adult with cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital for an acute airway exacerbation. Aggressive treatment is indicated. What is the first action by the nurse?

1) Collects sputum for culture and sensitivity
2) Administers vancomycin intravenously
3) Provides nebulized tobramycin (TOBI)
4) Gives oral pancreatic enzymes with meals

Answer 1

The nurse's first action for treating a cystic fibrosis patient with an acute airway exacerbation is to collect sputum for culture and sensitivity to identify the infection and determine effective antibiotic treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first action by the nurse for a young adult with cystic fibrosis admitted to the hospital for an acute airway exacerbation is to collect sputum for culture and sensitivity. This initial step is critical for identifying the specific pathogen responsible for the infection and determining the most effective antibiotic treatment.

Given the high incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis patients and the bacterium's capacity for antibiotic resistance, prompt and accurate identification is vital for successful treatment. Aggressive treatment is often required due to the thick mucus present in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis, which can impede lung defenses and promote bacterial growth. Therefore, the careful selection of antibiotics, based on culture results, plays a key role in managing cystic fibrosis exacerbations.