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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client needs to have someone come in to help her bathe at home is not a data that supports a referral for a social worker, as it is a need for home health care or personal care assistance. The nurse should refer the client to a home health agency or a community resource that provides such services.
Choice B reason: The client needs to arrange financial resources to purchase equipment is a data that supports a referral for a social worker, as it is a need for financial assistance or counseling. The nurse should refer the client to a social worker who can help the client access available resources, such as insurance, grants, or loans, to cover the cost of the equipment.
Choice C reason: The client needs to have someone bring oxygen tanks and equipment to her home is not a data that supports a referral for a social worker, as it is a need for oxygen therapy or equipment delivery. The nurse should refer the client to a respiratory therapist or a durable medical equipment company that can provide the oxygen and the equipment.
Choice D reason: The client needs to have range-of-motion exercises to assist with ambulation is not a data that supports a referral for a social worker, as it is a need for physical therapy or rehabilitation. The nurse should refer the client to a physical therapist or a rehabilitation center that can provide the exercises and the guidance.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Contacting the client's next of kin to obtain consent for treatment is not a correct action, as it may delay the necessary and urgent care for the client. The nurse should assume that the client would consent to life-saving treatment and act in the client's best interest.
Choice B reason: Proceeding with treatment without obtaining written consent is the correct action, as it is justified by the emergency doctrine. The nurse should provide immediate and appropriate care for the client who is unable to give consent due to their condition.
Choice C reason: Having the client sign a consent for treatment is not a correct action, as the client is disoriented and cannot give informed consent. The nurse should not ask the client to sign any documents that they may not understand or remember.
Choice D reason: Notifying risk management before initiating treatment is not a correct action, as it is not a priority in an emergency situation. The nurse should focus on the client's needs and safety and document the care provided and the rationale for the actions taken.
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