A patient is scheduled for surgery this morning and the nurse is administering the morning medications.

Which scheduled morning medication should the nurse withhold and not administer on the morning of surgery?

Choice A rationale
While continuous pulse oximetry can provide useful information about a patient’s oxygen saturation levels, it is not the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used to treat serious, potentially life-threatening fungal infections. It does not directly affect oxygen saturation levels.
Choice B rationale
The rate at which amphotericin B is administered can be important, as the medication must be given slowly through an IV infusion, which can take from 2 to 6 hours to complete. However, setting the IV pump to deliver the medication over a specific span of time is not the most crucial step before administration.
Choice C rationale
Continuous cardiac monitoring can be important in certain situations, but it is not the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. While amphotericin B can cause some side effects related to the heart, such as changes in heart rate or blood pressure, these are not typically the primary concerns before administration.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating the patient’s sodium and calcium levels is the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. Amphotericin B can cause changes in electrolyte levels, including sodium and calcium. Monitoring these levels can help prevent potential complications, making this the most crucial step before administration.

Choice A rationale
While older age and the use of certain medications can increase the risk of developing drug- resistant tuberculosis, these factors alone do not pose the greatest risk.
Choice B rationale
The presence of a red-orange color in the urine after being treated with rifampin is a common side effect of the medication and does not indicate an increased risk of developing drug- resistant tuberculosis.
Choice C rationale
A patient who has been taking rifampin and isoniazid as prescribed for 24 months is not at the greatest risk of developing drug-resistant tuberculosis. Adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen is actually crucial in preventing the development of drug-resistant strains of the disease.
Choice D rationale
A patient who did not complete the full course of anti-tubercular therapy in the past is at the greatest risk of developing a drug-resistant form of the disease. Incomplete treatment can allow tuberculosis bacteria to develop resistance to the medications used, leading to the emergence of drug-resistant strains.