Final answer:
Nursing interventions for a pneumonia patient with a high fever include monitoring for dehydration, ensuring fluids and electrolytes balance, administering antipyretic medications, and considering alternative drugs if initial antibiotics fail. Patient comfort and careful monitoring for exacerbation of chronic conditions are also crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with pneumonia and a fever of 103° F (39.4° C) would require nursing interventions to manage the febrile state. Initially, non-pharmacological approaches such as ensuring adequate fluid intake, light clothing, and a cool room temperature can be employed. However, if the fever is high and causing discomfort or is not managed by these methods, antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be administered. Additionally, if the patient has a history of chronic conditions like John, who has asthma and type 2 diabetes, careful monitoring is crucial as fever can exacerbate these conditions.
Nursing actions also include monitoring the patient for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can accompany fever, as well as assessing the effectiveness of antipyretic medications. If complementary and alternative therapies are not successful and the fever is dangerously high or persistent, stronger drug interventions might be considered. In cases where the patient does not respond to initial antibiotic therapy, as in the scenario with John suspected to have a viral, fungal, or antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection, other treatment options like a different antibiotic or combination of drugs may be necessary, according to antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Overall, patient comfort, hydration, monitoring, and appropriate use of medications are key factors in managing febrile state in pneumonia patients.