Patient Data
The nurse is preparing the client's plan of care (POC).
Select 4 findings that would indicate to the nurse that the administration of the vancomycin antibiotic would be safe to administer.
No known allergies
Used for prophylaxis
Potassium 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L)
Dosage in safe range
Peripheral IV (PIV) in large vein
Blood urea nitrogen 17 mg/dL (6.07 mmol/L)
Correct Answer : A,D,E,F
A. No known allergies: Confirming the client has no allergies to vancomycin or related substances is critical for safe administration. Administering an antibiotic to a client with a known allergy could result in life-threatening anaphylaxis.
B. Used for prophylaxis: Although vancomycin is often used prophylactically before procedures to prevent infection, the indication alone does not ensure that it is safe to administer. Safety focuses more on client-specific factors like allergies and organ function.
C. Potassium 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L): This is a normal potassium level and reflects good electrolyte balance but does not directly relate to the safety of administering vancomycin, which is more concerning for kidney function and allergic reactions.
D. Dosage in safe range: Verifying that the vancomycin dose is within the recommended therapeutic range is essential to prevent toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, which are risks with improper dosing.
E. Peripheral IV (PIV) in large vein: Administering vancomycin through a large-bore IV in a large vein reduces the risk of phlebitis and tissue irritation. Proper venous access is an important safety consideration when giving this medication.
F. Blood urea nitrogen 17 mg/dL (6.07 mmol/L): A normal BUN level suggests that renal function is adequate. Since vancomycin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, good renal function supports safe medication clearance and reduces toxicity risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin level increased to 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L): Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, and an increase in hemoglobin is the primary indicator of the drug’s effectiveness. A hemoglobin of 12 g/dL reflects a significant therapeutic improvement in anemia management for a client with CKD.
B. Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue: Although feeling more energetic is a positive clinical sign, it is subjective and does not provide objective evidence of improved red blood cell production. Lab values are preferred for evaluating medication effectiveness.
C. Food diary shows increased consumption of iron-rich foods: Dietary improvements support erythropoiesis but are not the direct measure of epoetin alfa’s effect. The medication’s success is best gauged by the actual rise in hemoglobin, not dietary habits alone.
D. Takes concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects: Iron supplementation is often needed to maximize epoetin alfa’s effect, but merely tolerating iron therapy does not confirm that epoetin alfa is working to correct the anemia. The focus remains on hemoglobin response.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Advise the client that the healthcare provider (HCP) needs to be made aware of the current diet: Green leafy vegetables are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin by promoting clotting. The healthcare provider must be informed to adjust the medication dose if necessary or provide specific dietary guidance.
B. Suggest that the client replace the leafy vegetables with a protein source such as nuts or beans: Advising the client to eliminate green vegetables is not appropriate because sudden changes in vitamin K intake can destabilize warfarin therapy. Consistency in vitamin K consumption is key rather than abrupt dietary changes.
C. Confirm that the client's diet choices will help the medication be more effective in preventing blood clots: Regular consumption of vitamin K-rich foods without dose adjustment can decrease warfarin's anticoagulant effect, increasing the risk of clot formation. The current diet does not inherently support the intended action of the medication.
D. Commend the client for a healthy lifestyle and encourage the client to continue current diet habits: Although a diet rich in vegetables is generally healthy, with warfarin therapy, any vitamin K intake must be consistent and properly managed. Simply encouraging the client without notifying the provider could lead to therapeutic failure.
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