Examine the following patient data for a patient who has been prescribed vancomycin.
The nurse is evaluating a patient after administering several doses of Vancomycin IV. Which of the following changes would indicate a therapeutic response to the medication? (Select all that apply)
WBC count of 16,000/mm
BUN level of 42 mg/dl
Blood pressure reading of 95/64
Body temperature of 101.8F
Correct Answer : A,C,D
Choice A rationale:
A WBC count of 16,000/mm is higher than the normal range of 5,000 to 10,000 cells/mm. This indicates that the body is fighting an infection, which is a common reason for prescribing Vancomycin. Therefore, a high WBC count could indicate a therapeutic response to the medication as it suggests that the body’s immune system is actively fighting the infection.
Choice B rationale:
A BUN level of 42 mg/dl is higher than the normal range of 7 to 20 mg/dL3456. Elevated BUN levels can indicate kidney damage or disease, which is not a desired therapeutic response to Vancomycin. Vancomycin can be nephrotoxic, and its use requires careful monitoring of kidney function. Therefore, a high BUN level does not indicate a therapeutic response to the medication. Choice C rationale:
A blood pressure reading of 95/64 is considered normal. Maintaining normal blood pressure is important for overall health and can indicate that the patient’s body is responding well to the medication. Therefore, a blood pressure reading within the normal range could indicate a therapeutic response to Vancomycin.
Choice D rationale:
A body temperature of 101.8F is considered a fever14. Fever is a common response to infection and can indicate that the body is fighting off an infection, which is a common reason for prescribing Vancomycin. Therefore, a high body temperature could indicate a therapeutic response to the medication as it suggests that the body’s immune system is actively fighting the infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Macrolides Macrolides, such as erythromycin and azithromycin, are a class of antibiotics that are typically used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria and some respiratory tract infections. They are not the first line of treatment for urinary tract infections.
Choice B rationale:
Sulfonamides Sulfonamides, such as sulfamethoxazole, are often used to treat urinary tract infections. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Sulfonamides are often combined with other antibiotics like trimethoprim to increase their effectiveness. This combination is commonly known as co-trimoxazole.
Choice C rationale:
Carbapenems Carbapenems are a class of antibiotics that are usually reserved for serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. While they can be used to treat a variety of infections, they are not typically the first choice for urinary tract infections.
Choice D rationale:
Tetracyclines Tetracyclines are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacteria. However, they are not typically used for urinary tract infections. They are more commonly used for infections such as acne, chlamydia, and Lyme disease.
Please consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Holding the drug and administering it 4 hours later is not the appropriate action. The trough vancomycin level of 24 mcg/mL is higher than the recommended range of 10-20 mcg/mL, indicating potential risk for toxicity. Administering the drug later does not address the immediate concern of a high trough level.
Choice B rationale:
Administering the vancomycin as ordered is not the correct action in this case. The trough level is above the recommended range, which could lead to vancomycin toxicity. The nurse should not administer the medication without addressing the high trough level. Choice C rationale:
This is the correct action. The nurse should hold the drug and notify the prescriber because the trough vancomycin level is higher than the recommended range. The prescriber can then make a decision based on this information, which may include adjusting the dose, extending the dosing interval, or ordering additional tests.
Choice D rationale:
While repeating the test to verify results might be done eventually, it should not be the immediate next step. The nurse has a responsibility to ensure patient safety, and with a trough level above the recommended range, the priority is to prevent potential toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should hold the drug and notify the prescriber.
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