A client has been started on antibiotic therapy for a respiratory infection. Which of the following ...

3. The client's temperature will be within normal limits within 48 to 72 hours after starting the antibiotic.

Rationale:
A goal of care for a client receiving antibiotic therapy for an infection is for the temperature to be within normal limits within 48 to 72 hours after starting the antibiotic. The temperature approaching normal within 60 minutes would be an appropriate goal if the client were receiving antipyretics. Sweating is evidence that the temperature is decreasing, a desired outcome. Dry mucus membranes are evidence of an elevated temperature and are not a desired outcome.