A nurse is reinforcing teaching about vancomycin with a client who has an infection. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. An infection that is difficult to treat:

This choice describes a challenging infection but does not specifically capture the concept of a superinfection. While superinfections can indeed be difficult to treat, they are defined more specifically as secondary infections that occur due to disruption of the normal microbial flora during the treatment of an initial infection.

B. An infection caused by a weakened immune system:

This choice describes an infection that occurs due to a compromised or weakened immune system, which can indeed increase the risk of developing infections, including superinfections. However, it does not fully encompass the definition of a superinfection, which specifically involves the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens after the disruption of normal microbial flora by antimicrobial treatment.

C. A secondary infection that occurs when microorganisms normally present in the body are killed by the drug:

This choice accurately describes what a superinfection is. It highlights the key concept that a superinfection is a secondary infection that arises when antimicrobial treatment disrupts or kills the normal microbial flora of the body, allowing opportunistic pathogens to overgrow and cause infection.

D. A drug-resistant infection:

This choice describes an infection caused by microorganisms that are resistant to the effects of antimicrobial drugs. While drug resistance is a significant concern in healthcare, it does not specifically define a superinfection. Superinfections can involve drug-resistant microorganisms, but they are not solely characterized by drug resistance; rather, they are secondary infections resulting from the disruption of normal microbial flora during antimicrobial treatment.

A.Recognizing the role of spirituality in health and healing:

Many CAM therapies acknowledge the importance of spirituality in health and healing. Spiritual well-being is considered an integral aspect of overall health in many CAM modalities. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness often incorporate spiritual elements. Therefore, recognizing the role of spirituality in health and healing is a common characteristic of CAM therapies.

B. Focusing on treatment of the person as an individual:

One of the key principles of CAM therapies is treating the individual as a whole, taking into account physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. CAM practitioners often emphasize personalized care tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of each individual. Therefore, focusing on the treatment of the person as an individual is a common characteristic of CAM therapies.

C. Focusing only on physical health:

This statement is incorrect. Unlike conventional Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the physical aspects of health and disease, CAM therapies often take a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, CAM therapies typically address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, rather than focusing solely on physical health.

D.Promotion of disease prevention, self-care, and self-healing:

Many CAM therapies emphasize the importance of disease prevention, self-care practices, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself. These therapies often encourage individuals to take an active role in maintaining their health and well-being through lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, dietary changes, and other self-care practices. Therefore, promotion of disease prevention, self-care, and self-healing is a common characteristic of CAM therapies.