On admission, the healthcare provider prescribes a broad spectrum antibiotic for a client with a gram-negative infection. Before administering the first dose, it is most important for the nurse to implement which prescription?
Monitor for signs of sodium and fluid retention.
Wound and blood specimens for culture and sensitivity.
Complete blood count and serum electrolytes.
Irrigation and topical antibiotic application to wound area.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Monitoring for signs of sodium and fluid retention is not relevant to this situation, as broad spectrum antibiotics do not affect sodium or fluid balance. Sodium and fluid retention may be caused by other conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Choice B reason: Obtaining wound and blood specimens for culture and sensitivity is most important before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as this can help identify the specific type and strain of bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotic is most effective against it. Broad spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria, but they may also kill beneficial bacteria and increase the risk of resistance or superinfection.
Choice C reason: Obtaining a complete blood count and serum electrolytes is not necessary before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as these tests do not provide information about the type or severity of infection. A complete blood count may show an elevated white blood cell count or other changes in response to infection, but it does not identify the causative organism. Serum electrolytes may show abnormalities due to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, or other factors, but they do not indicate infection.
Choice D reason: Performing irrigation and topical antibiotic application to wound area is not sufficient before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as this may not reach all sites of infection or eradicate all bacteria. Irrigation and topical antibiotic application may help clean and prevent further contamination of wound area, but they do not replace systemic antibiotic therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B reason: Vancomycin is an antibiotic that can treat serious bacterial infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. However, vancomycin can also cause nephrotoxicity, or damage to the kidneys, especially when given in high doses or for prolonged periods. Nephrotoxicity can lead to AKI, which is a sudden and severe decrease in kidney function that can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders, uremia, and death. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client who is receiving vancomycin for development of AKI by checking their serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, urine output and specific gravity, and signs and symptoms of fluid overload or dehydration.
Choice A reason: Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer drug that forms a protective coating over the stomach lining and prevents further damage from acid or pepsin. Sucralfate does not cause nephrotoxicity or AKI and has minimal systemic absorption or side effects. Therefore, the nurse does not need to closely monitor the client who is taking sucralfate for development of AKI.
Choice C reason: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that can treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, or alcohol withdrawal. Lorazepam does not cause nephrotoxicity or AKI and has low renal clearance or elimination. Therefore, the nurse does not need to closely monitor the client who is taking lorazepam for development of AKI.
Choice D reason: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that can treat heart failure or atrial fibrillation by increasing the force and efficiency of heart contractions and slowing down the heart rate. Digoxin does not cause nephrotoxicity
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Holding the calcitriol but administering the calcium carbonate as scheduled is not appropriate, as both drugs can increase the serum calcium level and worsen the condition of hypercalcemia. Calcitriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D that enhances the absorption of calcium from the GI tract and promotes bone mineralization. Calcium carbonate is a supplement that provides additional calcium to the body.
Choice B reason: Holding the calcium carbonate, but administering the calcitriol as scheduled is not appropriate, as calcitriol alone can also raise the serum calcium level and cause hypercalcemia. Calcitriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D that enhances the absorption of calcium from the GI tract and promotes bone mineralization.
Choice C reason: Holding both medications until contacting the healthcare provider is the appropriate action to take, as the client's total calcium level is above the normal range of 9 to 10.5 mg/dL or 2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L and indicates hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, lethargy, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and kidney stones. The healthcare provider can adjust the dose or frequency of the medications or prescribe other treatments to lower the serum calcium level.
Choice D reason: Administering both prescribed medications as scheduled is not appropriate, as both drugs can increase the serum calcium level and worsen the condition of hypercalcemia. Calcitriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D that enhances the absorption of calcium from the GI tract and promotes bone mineralization. Calcium carbonate is a supplement that provides additional calcium to the body.
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