Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Simulated
A client with an upper respiratory infection (common cold) tells the nurse,I am so angry because the nurse practitioner would not give me an antibiotic. What would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: B - Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.
Rationale: Upper respiratory infections, like the common cold, are typically caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to educate the client that antibiotics will not help treat their common cold.
Summary of other choices:
A: Incorrect - This response validates the client's belief that they need an antibiotic, which is not appropriate for a viral infection.
C: Incorrect - This response does not provide education to the client about the ineffectiveness of antibiotics for viral infections.
D: Incorrect - This response delays addressing the client's misconception about antibiotics and may lead to unnecessary antibiotic use.
Rationale: Upper respiratory infections, like the common cold, are typically caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to educate the client that antibiotics will not help treat their common cold.
Summary of other choices:
A: Incorrect - This response validates the client's belief that they need an antibiotic, which is not appropriate for a viral infection.
C: Incorrect - This response does not provide education to the client about the ineffectiveness of antibiotics for viral infections.
D: Incorrect - This response delays addressing the client's misconception about antibiotics and may lead to unnecessary antibiotic use.