A patient, diagnosed with osteomyelitis, is experiencing a fever of 101.2° F, a white blood cell count of 22,000, and is complaining of severe leg pain. The physician prescribes the following: Which of these orders should the nurse implement first? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | }
\hline 1 & \text { Start IV } & \text { D51/2 NS at } 125 \mathrm { ml } / \mathrm { hr } \
\hline 2 & \text { Blood cultures } & \times 2 \text { at different sites } \
\hline 3 & \text { Rocephin } & 1 \text { gram IV twice a day } \
\hline 4 & \text { Acetominophin } & 650 \mathrm { mg } \text { po for temperature above } 100 ^ { \circ } \mathrm { F } \
\hline 5 & \text { Morphine } & 4 \mathrm { mg } \text { IV for pain } \
\hline
\end{array}$$

Question

A patient, diagnosed with osteomyelitis, is experiencing a fever of 101.2° F, a white blood cell count of 22,000, and is complaining of severe leg pain. The physician prescribes the following: Which of these orders should the nurse implement first? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | } 
\hline 1 & \text { Start IV } & \text { D51/2 NS at } 125 \mathrm { ml } / \mathrm { hr } \
\hline 2 & \text { Blood cultures } & \times 2 \text { at different sites } \
\hline 3 & \text { Rocephin } & 1 \text { gram IV twice a day } \
\hline 4 & \text { Acetominophin } & 650 \mathrm { mg } \text { po for temperature above } 100 ^ { \circ } \mathrm { F } \
\hline 5 & \text { Morphine } & 4 \mathrm { mg } \text { IV for pain } \
\hline
\end{array}$$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Starting the IV is the first priority because the patient needs fluids and antibiotics to treat the osteomyelitis.

A Patient, Diagnosed with Osteomyelitis, Is Experiencing a Fever of 101.2°