A client who is febrile is admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. In accordance with the care pathway, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Which of the following situations requires the nurse to complete a variance report with regard to the care pathway?
An allergy to penicillin required an alternative antibiotic to be prescribed.
Antibiotic therapy was initiated 2 hr after implementation of the care pathway.
The route of antibiotic therapy on the care pathway was changed from IV to PO.
A blood culture was obtained after antibiotic therapy had been initiated.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is: d.
Choice A reason: An allergy to penicillin requiring an alternative antibiotic to be prescribed is a common and expected variation in care. Allergies are patient-specific factors that must be accommodated within the care pathway. The need for an alternative antibiotic does not typically constitute a variance that requires reporting, as adjustments for allergies are part of personalized care planning.
Choice B reason: Initiating antibiotic therapy 2 hours after implementation of the care pathway may not require a variance report if it falls within the acceptable time frame for antibiotic administration. The timing of antibiotic therapy can be critical, but slight deviations are often accounted for within the care pathway guidelines. However, if the care pathway specifies a narrower time frame for initiation, then this could be a reportable variance.
Choice C reason: Changing the route of antibiotic therapy from IV to PO (oral) is a clinical decision that may be based on the patient's condition, progress, and ability to tolerate oral medications. This switch is a part of antimicrobial stewardship and is often encouraged when clinically appropriate to reduce IV line use and potential complications. It is a standard practice and does not typically require a variance report unless the change contradicts a specific protocol in the care pathway.
Choice D reason: Obtaining a blood culture after the initiation of antibiotic therapy is a significant variance from the standard care pathway. Blood cultures should be obtained before starting antibiotics to accurately identify the causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivities. Starting antibiotics before obtaining blood cultures can reduce the likelihood of growing the bacteria in the culture, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This is a deviation from the standard of care that requires a variance report.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this action is part of the standard of care for clients who have chlamydia. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be cured with antibiotics, but the client can still transmit the infection to others until the treatment is finished. The nurse should educate the client on the importance of using condoms to prevent reinfection and spreading the infection to their sexual partners.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not appropriate for clients who have chlamydia. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria, not viruses, so antiviral creams are ineffective and unnecessary. The nurse should administer the prescribed antibiotics and monitor the client for any adverse reactions or complications.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Reporting the infection to the local health department is done by the health care provider or the laboratory, not by the nurse. The nurse should respect the client's confidentiality and privacy and only share the information with authorized personnel.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not indicated for clients who have chlamydia. Contact precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infections that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the client or their environment. Chlamydia is not spread by contact, but by sexual intercourse. The nurse should use standard precautions, which include hand hygiene and wearing gloves, when caring for the client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this client has the highest risk of injury or death in the event of a fire. The client is confused and may not understand the situation or follow instructions. The client is also restrained and cannot move or escape without assistance. The nurse should evacuate this client first and remove the restraints as soon as possible.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a moderate risk of injury or death in the event of a fire. The client is postoperative and has a chest tube, which may limit their mobility and require special equipment. However, the client is not confused or restrained and can cooperate with the evacuation process. The nurse should evacuate this client after the confused and restrained client.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a low risk of injury or death in the event of a fire. The client is in Buck's traction, which is a type of skin traction that does not require pins or wires. The client can be easily moved by releasing the weights and securing the traction to the bed. The nurse should evacuate this client after the postoperative and chest tube client.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has the lowest risk of injury or death in the event of a fire. The client is receiving IV chemotherapy, which is a treatment that can be stopped and resumed later. The client is also ambulatory, which means they can walk and move without assistance. The nurse should evacuate this client last or ask them to evacuate themselves.
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