Introduction to Patient Assessment and Documentation
Introduction to Patient Assessment and Documentation ( 6 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has been diagnosed with pneumonia.
Which of the following data should the nurse use to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan?
This is a normal finding, but it does not rule out pneumonia as some clients may have low-grade fever or no fever at all with pneumonia.
This is an elevated finding, as the normal range for white blood cell count is 4.5 to 11 x 10^9/L. An elevated white blood cell count indicates inflammation or infection and does not reflect the effectiveness of treatment.
This is a normal finding, as the normal range for oxygen saturation is 95% to 100%. However, it does not indicate the severity or resolution of pneumonia, as some clients may have normal oxygen saturation despite having pneumonia.
A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that can confirm the presence or absence of pneumonia by showing areas of consolidation or infiltration in the lung tissue. A clear chest x-ray indicates resolution of pneumonia and effectiveness of treatment.
The client's chest x-ray shows clear lung fields.
Rationale: A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that can confirm the presence or absence of pneumonia by showing areas of consolidation or infiltration in the lung tissue. A clear chest x-ray indicates resolution of pneumonia and effectiveness of treatment.
Incorrect options:
A) The client's temperature is 37.2°C (99°F). - This is a normal finding, but it does not rule out pneumonia as some clients may have low-grade fever or no fever at all with pneumonia.
B) The client's white blood cell count is 12.5 x 10^9/L. - This is an elevated finding, as the normal range for white blood cell count is 4.5 to 11 x 10^9/L. An elevated white blood cell count indicates inflammation or infection and does not reflect the effectiveness of treatment.
C) The client's oxygen saturation is 95% on room air. - This is a normal finding, as the normal range for oxygen saturation is 95% to 100%. However, it does not indicate the severity or resolution of pneumonia, as some clients may have normal oxygen saturation despite having pneumonia.