The 71-year-old previously healthy patient is admitted to the hospital for dehydration after 3 days of malaise and productive cough with green sputum. Right lower lobe consolidation is noted on x-ray. Leukocytosis is revealed by a complete blood count. Vitals are notable for a temp of 40.4°C, heart rate of 122 bpm, respiratory rate of 22, and blood pressure of 104/62 mm Hg. Oxygen saturation is 84% on room air, but improves to 100% with 2L 100% FiO2 via nasal cannula. The nurse prepares to administer which medications? Select all that apply.

Question

The 71-year-old previously healthy patient is admitted to the hospital for dehydration after 3 days of malaise and productive cough with green sputum. Right lower lobe consolidation is noted on x-ray. Leukocytosis is revealed by a complete blood count. Vitals are notable for a temp of 40.4&deg;C, heart rate of 122 bpm, respiratory rate of 22, and blood pressure of 104/62 mm Hg. Oxygen saturation is 84% on room air, but improves to 100% with 2L 100% FiO2 via nasal cannula. The nurse prepares to administer which medications? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Ceftriaxone IV , Azithromycin IV , 1L 0.9% NaCl STAT. The patient has community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and is quite ill. Azithromycin IV and ceftriaxone IV are used to treat CAP in the ill-appearing patient. The fluid bolus is used to treat the dehydration and sepsis. Albuterol is used for obstructive disorders, not CAP. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole IV is not used to treat CAP.

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX