Question bankNCLEX-RN
A nurse assesses a client with fever 38.9°C (102°F), absolute neutrophil count 320/mm³, and a tunneled central line. Which action is the priority?
- AObtain blood cultures and notify the provider for broad-spectrum antibiotics
- BApply a warm compress to the insertion site
- CEncourage oral fluids and rest
- DDocument findings and reassess in 4 hours
Rationale
Febrile neutropenia with a central line is an emergency — cultures and empiric antibiotics cannot wait.
Every question explained.