A nurse is preparing to transfer a client from the emergency department to a medical-surgical unit using the SBAR Communication tool. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the background portion of the report?

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.

Choice A reason: The most recent blood glucose reading is not the most important information for the nurse to report at shift change. IV corticosteroids can cause hyperglycemia, which requires monitoring and treatment, but it is not as critical as the client's level of consciousness.

Choice B reason: The laboratory tests scheduled for next shift are not the most important information for the nurse to report at shift change. The nurse should inform the oncoming nurse about the tests, but they are not as urgent as the client's neurological status.

Choice C reason: The reddened area on the coccyx is not the most important information for the nurse to report at shift change. The nurse should document and report any signs of skin breakdown, but they are not as life-threatening as the client's increased intracranial pressure.

Choice D reason: The Glasgow Coma Scale score is the most important information for the nurse to report at shift change. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that measures the client's level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. A decrease in the score indicates a deterioration in the client's neurological condition, which requires immediate intervention.