Question

A client with pneumonia caused by aspiration after alcohol intoxication has just been admitted. The client is febrile and agitated. Which health care provider order should the nurse implement first?
Administer levofloxacin (Levaquin) 500 mg IV.
Draw aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures.
Give lorazepam (Ativan) as needed for agitation.
Refer to social worker for alcohol counseling.

Answer 1

Explanation:

The first step the nurse will take is to procure anaerobic and aerobic cultures and is normal in febrile clients for whom antibiotics are required. The antibiotic Levofloxacin is necessary to prescribe, but, before antibiotics commence, blood cultivations should be drawn. Unless this client poses a danger to him or her workers, the first response is to use lorazepam (Ativan) for irritation; the question indicates that the consumer is agitated but does not indicate whether other measures to manage anger, such as a decrease in stimulus, have been attempted. Prior to the discharge of the drug, reference to social work for alcohol treatment will be initiated;