A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous therapy and observes redness and inflammation along the vein. The nurse should identify this finding as which of the following complications of IV therapy?

Choice A Reason:
Giving the prescribed dose of clindamycin is not appropriate due to the reported penicillin allergy, which increases the risk of an allergic reaction.
Choice B Reason:
Obtain a prescription for an alternative antibiotic is correct. Given the client's reported allergy to penicillin, which is in the same antibiotic class as clindamycin (both are antibiotics that belong to the beta-lactam group), there is a higher risk of cross-reactivity and potential allergic reaction. Therefore, it's important to avoid administering clindamycin in such cases and seek an alternative antibiotic that does not have a similar chemical structure to penicillin to prevent an allergic reaction.
Choice C Reason:
Premeditating the client with epinephrine before administering the antibiotic is not a standard practice in this context. Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions but is not used as a preventive measure before administering antibiotics.
Choice D Reason:
Administering the clindamycin using a desensitization schedule might be an option in certain situations under the guidance of an allergist or immunologist, but it's not typically performed by nurses and requires a specific protocol and expertise in managing drug allergies. Obtaining an alternative antibiotic is a more appropriate and immediate action to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction in this scenario.

Choice A Reason:
"I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice." This statement is actually accurate. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of certain statin medications, including lovastatin, leading to increased levels of the drug in the body. Advising against grapefruit juice consumption is a recommended precaution when taking lovastatin, so this statement shows the client's understanding of this interaction.
Choice B Reason:
"I am trying to decrease my dietary fat intake." This statement reflects a positive lifestyle change. Lowering dietary fat intake is often recommended for individuals on statin medications to help manage cholesterol levels. This statement demonstrates the client's commitment to making healthy dietary adjustments, which aligns with the treatment plan.
Choice B Reason:
"I was just diagnosed with hepatitis B. "Hepatitis B can affect liver function, and statin medications like lovastatin can potentially impact liver enzymes. Therefore, in someone with a history of hepatitis B, it's crucial to assess liver function before starting a statin and to monitor the liver during treatment. This statement raises concerns about potential liver complications or interactions that require further evaluation before initiating lovastatin.
Choice D Reason:
"I take metformin for my diabetes." Metformin, a medication for diabetes, does not directly interact with lovastatin. While it's relevant to know the client's other medications, this statement doesn't indicate a need for immediate further assessment regarding the use of lovastatin.