A nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse who is administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to a client. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates a need for the nurse to intervene?

Rationale:

A. "Plan to take this medication with food.": Taking phenytoin with food can help reduce gastrointestinal irritation, such as nausea and upset stomach, which is a common side effect. Consistent administration with meals improves tolerability while maintaining therapeutic drug levels.

B. "Limit foods that contain folic acid while taking this medication.": Phenytoin can actually decrease folic acid absorption, and limiting folic acid intake could worsen potential deficiencies. Instead, monitoring and possibly supplementing folic acid may be recommended. Advising restriction could be harmful.

C. "Limit foods that contain vitamin D while taking this medication.": Phenytoin can reduce vitamin D metabolism, which may increase the risk of bone loss and fractures. Limiting vitamin D intake is not advised; rather, ensuring adequate vitamin D and calcium intake is important for older adults to maintain bone health.

D. "Plan to take this medication with antacids.": Antacids can interfere with the absorption of phenytoin, reducing its effectiveness. Taking phenytoin with antacids is contraindicated, and spacing the timing between antacids and phenytoin is necessary to maintain therapeutic levels.

Rationale:

A. Enoxaparin 80 mg subcutaneous twice a day: Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant used for prevention or treatment of thromboembolic events. There is no indication from the client’s current labs, vitals, or diagnostics (D-dimer within normal limits, no evidence of clot) to initiate anticoagulation at this time.

B. Potassium chloride 20 mEq PO twice a day: The client’s potassium level is 3.6 mEq/L, which is at the lower end of the normal range. Supplementation may be warranted, particularly if antihypertensive therapy such as a diuretic is initiated, to prevent hypokalemia and maintain cardiac stability.

C. Ciprofloxacin 750 mg PO twice a day: There is no evidence of bacterial infection in the client’s assessment, labs, or diagnostics. Prescribing an antibiotic is unnecessary and not indicated.

D. Enalapril 5 mg PO daily: The client’s blood pressure is 164/92 mm Hg, which is hypertensive. Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, is appropriate to manage hypertension, reduce cardiovascular risk, and potentially improve renal outcomes given the family history of renal failure.

E. Rosuvastatin 20 mg PO daily: The client has significantly elevated cholesterol (total cholesterol 280 mg/dL, LDL 220 mg/dL, HDL 20 mg/dL) and triglycerides 220 mg/dL. Initiating a statin is appropriate to reduce cardiovascular risk and manage hyperlipidemia.

F. Digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily: The client does not exhibit heart failure symptoms or arrhythmias that require digoxin at this time. ECG shows only sinus tachycardia without S-T changes, so digoxin is not indicated.

G. Metformin 850 mg PO daily: The client’s glucose is 310 mg/dL and HbA1c is 7%, indicating diabetes mellitus. Initiating metformin is appropriate for glycemic control and to reduce the risk of complications associated with hyperglycemia.

H. Albuterol 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hr as needed: The client’s lungs are clear on auscultation, and there is no active respiratory distress. Albuterol is not indicated for ongoing therapy in this assessment.