If a patient has a fever and shows productive cough with yellow sputum, what is the PN's priority intervention?

In this scenario, the priority intervention for a patient exhibiting fever and a productive cough with yellow sputum involves notifying the healthcare provider. This is essential because these symptoms can indicate an underlying respiratory infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which may require further evaluation and potentially prompt medical intervention.

Communicating with the healthcare provider is vital for timely management of the condition. The provider may decide to order tests, such as a chest X-ray or sputum culture, or initiate antibiotic therapy if an infection is suspected. Prompt recognition and action can significantly influence patient outcomes, especially in cases where respiratory symptoms and fever suggest a serious condition.

The other interventions, while important in a broader care plan, do not take precedence in this context. Administering antipyretics can help manage fever but does not address the underlying cause or the need for further medical evaluation. Encouraging fluid intake is supportive and can help with hydration and mucus clearance, but it, too, does not directly address the possible need for immediate medical intervention. Performing a respiratory assessment is essential for monitoring the patient's condition; however, it does not replace the need to inform the healthcare provider about the change in the patient's status for guiding effective treatment decisions.