A patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and is receiving intravenous vancomycin. Which laboratory test should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to order to monitor the safety of this medication?
Serum creatinine level
Complete blood count
Serum potassium level
Serum glucose level
The Correct Answer is A
A. Serum creatinine level: Vancomycin is nephrotoxic, especially with prolonged therapy or high serum levels. Monitoring serum creatinine evaluates kidney function and helps detect early signs of renal impairment. Renal monitoring is essential to ensure safe dosing and prevent toxicity.
B. Complete blood count: A complete blood count may be monitored for overall infection response, but it does not specifically assess vancomycin toxicity. CBC changes are not the primary safety concern associated with this medication.
C. Serum potassium level: Vancomycin does not typically cause significant potassium imbalances. Potassium monitoring is not routinely required unless the patient has other risk factors or is receiving additional nephrotoxic or potassium-altering medications.
D. Serum glucose level: Vancomycin does not directly affect blood glucose levels. Glucose monitoring would only be indicated if the patient has diabetes or another condition affecting glucose regulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Combining this medication with an osmotic laxative will create a synergistic effect and alleviate the constipation more effectively":Using multiple laxatives together increases the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and laxative dependence. Routine combination therapy is not recommended for managing chronic constipation.
B. "Increasing your daily activity and fluid intake can help promote healthy bowel patterns. This should help reduce the need to take laxatives frequently":Regular physical activity and adequate hydration stimulate intestinal motility and soften stool. These lifestyle measures address the underlying causes of constipation and help prevent reliance on stimulant laxatives.
C. "Too much fiber in your diet can cause blockages. It is best for you to reduce your fiber intake to avoid needing laxatives so frequently":Adequate dietary fiber increases stool bulk and promotes regular bowel movements. Reducing fiber can worsen constipation rather than improve bowel regularity.
D. "Continue to take the medication every time you are constipated, Frequent/prolonged use of stimulant laxatives is considered a safe and effective way to promote healthy bowel patterns":Frequent or prolonged use of stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl can lead to electrolyte disturbances and laxative dependence. Education should focus on preventive strategies rather than long-term stimulant use.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Slower onset and longer duration of a medication's action:A slower onset with prolonged effect is characteristic of oral or some subcutaneous medications, not intravenous administration. IV administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, resulting in rapid onset.
B. Onset is moderate and can be used to space out medication frequency:Moderate onset applies to routes like intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. IV administration provides almost immediate therapeutic effects, so spacing doses for gradual onset is not relevant.
C. Route of administration is minimally invasive:IV administration is invasive, requiring cannulation of a vein, and carries risks such as infection or phlebitis. Minimal invasiveness is more applicable to oral or topical routes.
D. Onset is rapid, and absorption into the blood is immediate, which provides an immediate response:Medications administered intravenously bypass absorption barriers, entering directly into systemic circulation. This allows for rapid therapeutic effects, making IV administration ideal for emergencies or situations requiring immediate pharmacologic action.
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