A nurse recently administered filgrastim intravenously to a client who has cancer and is receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy.
For which of the following data, discovered after the medication was administered, should the nurse file an incident report?
The client had chemotherapy 12 hr before the medication was administered.
The medication vial sat at room temperature for 2 hr before it was administered.
The client's absolute neutrophil count was 2,500/mm³ before the medication was administered.
The nurse flushed the client's IV line with dextrose 5% in water before and after the medication was administered.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale: Administering filgrastim after chemotherapy is a standard practice to boost white blood cell count. However, filgrastim should not be given within 24 hours before or after chemotherapy, as it can affect the efficacy and increase the risk of side effects. Administering the medication 12 hours after chemotherapy falls within this contraindicated window, necessitating an incident report.
Choice B rationale: Filgrastim can be stored at room temperature for short periods, and 2 hours is generally within acceptable limits for stability.
Choice C rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 2,500/mm³ is within the normal range, and there is no contraindication for administering filgrastim.
Choice D rationale: Flushing the client's IV line with dextrose 5% in water before and after administering filgrastim is not appropriate, as this medication is typically administered with saline solution. Using an incorrect flushing solution could affect the medication's efficacy or compatibility, necessitating an incident report.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Expired medications should not be used and should be disposed of properly. The best way to do this is to return them to the pharmacy for proper disposal.
Choice B is wrong because flushing medications down the toilet can contaminate the water supply and harm the environment.
Choice C is wrong because expired medications should not be placed back in the medication cart as they may accidentally be used.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the provider about expired medications is not necessary as it is the responsibility of the nurse to properly dispose of them.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Assist the client to a left lateral position.
- This is generally used for clients at risk of aspiration, and it's not indicated based on the lithium level.
- B. Implement fluid restrictions.
- Fluid restrictions are usually implemented when there is a risk of fluid overload or hyponatremia, and not in this case. In fact, dehydration can raise lithium levels to toxic levels, so proper hydration is important.
- C. Request a dosage increase from the provider.
- While 0.6 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range, some providers may want to see a level slightly higher for maintenance. So requesting a dosage increase from the provider is the correct action.
- D. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
- Hemodialysis is used to remove lithium from the blood in cases of severe lithium toxicity, which is indicated by levels significantly higher than 1.5 mEq/L. This is not needed when the lithium level is 0.6 mEq/L.
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