A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes insipidus.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

A WBC count of 16,000/mm is higher than the normal range of 5,000 to 10,000 cells/mm. This indicates that the body is fighting an infection, which is a common reason for prescribing Vancomycin. Therefore, a high WBC count could indicate a therapeutic response to the medication as it suggests that the body’s immune system is actively fighting the infection.

Choice B rationale:

A BUN level of 42 mg/dl is higher than the normal range of 7 to 20 mg/dL3456. Elevated BUN levels can indicate kidney damage or disease, which is not a desired therapeutic response to Vancomycin. Vancomycin can be nephrotoxic, and its use requires careful monitoring of kidney function. Therefore, a high BUN level does not indicate a therapeutic response to the medication. Choice C rationale:

A blood pressure reading of 95/64 is considered normal. Maintaining normal blood pressure is important for overall health and can indicate that the patient’s body is responding well to the medication. Therefore, a blood pressure reading within the normal range could indicate a therapeutic response to Vancomycin.

Choice D rationale:

A body temperature of 101.8F is considered a fever14. Fever is a common response to infection and can indicate that the body is fighting off an infection, which is a common reason for prescribing Vancomycin. Therefore, a high body temperature could indicate a therapeutic response to the medication as it suggests that the body’s immune system is actively fighting the infection.

Choice A rationale:

Providing written pamphlets for instruction can be a useful supplement, but it may not be the most effective method for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This is because it lacks the hands-on practice and immediate feedback that can be crucial for learning a new physical skill.

Choice B rationale:

After demonstrating the procedure, allowing the patient to do several return demonstrations is considered one of the best methods for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This approach, often referred to as “see one, do one, teach one,” allows the patient to observe the correct technique, practice it themselves, and then demonstrate their understanding by teaching it back. This method is particularly effective because it engages the patient in active learning and provides opportunities for immediate feedback and correction.

Choice C rationale:

Showing a video and allowing the patient to practice as needed on his own can be helpful, but it may not be as effective as other methods. This is because it lacks the immediate feedback and personalized instruction that can be provided in a one-onone teaching session. Additionally, practicing “as needed” may not provide the consistent repetition needed to master a new skill.

Choice D rationale:

Verbally explaining the procedure and providing written handouts for reinforcement can be effective, but it may not be sufficient for teaching a skill like self-injection of insulin. This is because it lacks the hands-on practice that is crucial for learning a new physical skill. Additionally, relying solely on verbal explanation and written handouts may not address all learning styles.