Question

A client is admitted with a 2-day history of cough, fever, and fatigue. The medical history is positive for type 1 diabetes and recent upper respiratory infection (URI). Vita signs are heart rate 109 beats per minute, blood pressure 102/58 mm Hg, respiratory rate 24 breaths/min, temperature 104 F (40 C) , and SpO2 92% on 2 L oxygen via nasal cannula. Which prescription has the highest priority in this client's care?

A. Initiate large-bore IV access
B. Draw two sets of blood cultures
C. Administer the ordered IV antibiotics
D. Draw serum lactate and glucose levels

Answer 1

The highest priority prescription for a client showing signs of sepsis is to administer the ordered IV antibiotics promptly, as it is essential to address the underlying infection and prevent progression to severe sepsis or septic shock. Option c.

Step-by-step explanation:

The prescription with the highest priority in the client's care, considering the symptoms of cough, fever, fatigue, recent upper respiratory infection (URI), and type 1 diabetes, along with the vital signs showing tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea, fever, and lowered oxygen saturation on supplemental oxygen, is C. Administer the ordered IV antibiotics. The client's clinical presentation is suggestive of sepsis, potentially precipitated by a bacterial infection.

Rapid administration of IV antibiotics is critical to address the underlying infection and prevent further decline into severe sepsis or septic shock. Following antibiotic administration, the other actions such as drawing blood cultures and checking serum lactate and glucose levels can also be performed to further assess the client's condition and guide additional treatment. However, starting antibiotics should not be delayed for these tests.