A nurse is caring for a client who has an infection and a prescription for gentamicin Intermittent IV bolus every 8 hr. A peak and trough are required with the next dose. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to obtain an accurate gentamicin serum level?
Draw a peak level 90 min prior to administering the medication and a trough level 90 min after the dose.
Draw a trough level immediately prior to administering the medication and a peak level 30 min after the
dose.
Draw a trough level at 0900 and a peak level at 2100.
The Correct Answer is B
To obtain an accurate gentamicin serum level, the nurse should draw a trough level immediately before administering the next dose of medication and a peak level 30 minutes after the dose has been administered. The trough level measures the lowest concentration of the medication in the blood, while the peak level measures the highest concentration.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. The adverse effects of the medication., c. Written information about the medication., and e. The reason why the child is taking the medication.
Choice A rationale:
Stopping the medication when the child feels better is incorrect. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Choice B rationale:
The adverse effects of the medication should be included in the discharge instructions. Parents need to be aware of potential side effects so they can monitor their child and seek medical attention if necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Written information about the medication is essential. This provides parents with a reference to review the medication’s purpose, dosage, and administration instructions.
Choice D rationale:
Using a kitchen spoon to administer the medication is incorrect. Kitchen spoons are not accurate for measuring medication doses. A proper measuring device, such as an oral syringe or medicine cup, should be used.
Choice E rationale:
The reason why the child is taking the medication should be included in the discharge instructions. Understanding the purpose of the medication helps ensure adherence to the prescribed treatment plan.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
When a client expresses confusion or uncertainty about their medication, the nurse should always verify the medication order to ensure that the correct medication is being administered. Option (a) is the best response in this scenario because it addresses the client's concern and ensures the medication being given is the correct one.
Option (b) stating that "this is the medication that your doctor wants you to take" does not address the
client's concern and may cause the client to feel dismissed.
Option (c) suggesting to "let me explain the purpose of the medication" is not necessary at this time since
the client is already aware of the purpose and is only concerned about the colour of the pill.
Option (d) stating that "sometimes the same pill comes in a different colour" is not appropriate because it does not address the issue of the client's confusion about the current pill being administered.
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