Patient Data
The nurse is preparing the client’s plan of care. Select 4 findings that would indicate to the nurse that the administration of the vancomycin antibiotic would be safe to administer.
No known allergies
Dosage in safe range
Potassium 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L)
Peripheral IV in large vein
Used for prophylaxis
Blood urea nitrogen 17 mg/dl (6.07 mmol/L)
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A: No known allergies
Reason: The absence of known allergies is crucial when administering any medication, including antibiotics like vancomycin. Allergic reactions to antibiotics can range from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. In this case, the patient has reported no known allergies, which significantly reduces the risk of an adverse reaction to vancomycin. This makes it safer to proceed with the administration of the antibiotic. Ensuring that the patient has no known allergies is a standard precaution in medical practice to prevent potential allergic reactions.
Choice B: Dosage in safe range
Reason: The dosage of vancomycin must be within a safe range to avoid toxicity. Vancomycin is typically dosed based on the patient’s weight and renal function. For adults, the usual dose is 15-20 mg/kg, administered every 8-12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient’s renal function. In this scenario, the prescribed dose is 1 gram in 250 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride, which is within the safe range for an adult patient. Administering the correct dosage is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the antibiotic while minimizing the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, which are potential side effects of vancomycin.
Choice C: Potassium 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L)
Reason: While the potassium level of 4.4 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), it is not directly related to the safety of administering vancomycin. Potassium levels are more relevant to the overall electrolyte balance and cardiac function but do not specifically impact the administration of vancomycin. Therefore, this choice is not as pertinent to the safety of vancomycin administration as the other options.
Choice D: Peripheral IV in large vein
Reason: Administering vancomycin through a peripheral IV in a large vein is important to reduce the risk of phlebitis and irritation. Vancomycin is known to be irritating to veins, and using a large vein helps to dilute the medication more effectively, reducing the risk of vein inflammation. In this case, the peripheral IV was started in the right antecubital with a 20-gauge catheter, which is appropriate for the administration of vancomycin. Ensuring proper IV placement and using a large vein can help prevent complications associated with IV administration of this antibiotic.
Choice E: Used for prophylaxis
Reason: Vancomycin is being used as a prophylactic measure to prevent endocarditis in this patient. Prophylactic use of antibiotics is common in patients undergoing certain surgical procedures, especially those with a history of heart conditions, to prevent bacterial infections. In this case, the patient is undergoing pacemaker insertion, and the use of vancomycin as prophylaxis is appropriate to prevent potential infections. Prophylactic administration of antibiotics like vancomycin is a standard practice to reduce the risk of postoperative infections, particularly in patients with a higher risk of complications.
Choice F: Blood urea nitrogen 17 mg/dl (6.07 mmol/L)
Reason: The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 17 mg/dL is within the normal range (7-20 mg/dL). While BUN levels are important indicators of renal function, they are not directly related to the safety of administering vancomycin in this context. Vancomycin dosing does need to consider renal function, but the BUN level alone does not provide sufficient information to determine the safety of administration. Therefore, this choice is not as directly relevant as the other options.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
St. John’s Wort is known to significantly decrease the blood concentrations of cyclosporine, a critical immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. This herb induces the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, which increases the metabolism of cyclosporine, leading to lower plasma levels and a higher risk of graft rejection. This interaction is highly significant and requires immediate attention to adjust the client’s medication regimen and prevent further complications.
Choice B Reason:
While it is true that St. John’s Wort is commonly used to treat depression, this information is not as significant in the context of graft rejection. The primary concern is the herb’s interaction with cyclosporine, which directly impacts the effectiveness of the immunosuppressive therapy. Understanding the reason for using the herb is important, but it does not address the immediate risk of graft rejection.
Choice C Reason:
There is no substantial evidence to suggest that ingestion of St. John’s Wort reduces sodium intake. This statement does not relate to the herb’s interaction with cyclosporine or its impact on graft rejection. Therefore, it is not a significant concern in this scenario.
Choice D Reason:
Adding St. John’s Wort does not decrease the need for corticosteroids. In fact, the herb’s interaction with cyclosporine can lead to inadequate immunosuppression, potentially increasing the need for additional medications to manage graft rejection. This statement is incorrect and does not address the critical issue of cyclosporine metabolism.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Glucagon is a hormone used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in individuals with diabetes. Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment to raise blood sugar levels. Glucagon works by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. It is crucial for clients and their families to recognize the signs of severe hypoglycemia, such as confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures, and to administer glucagon promptly.
Choice B Reason:
Administering glucagon before meals to prevent hyperglycemia is incorrect. Glucagon is not used to prevent high blood sugar levels; it is specifically used to treat low blood sugar levels. Preventing hyperglycemia typically involves insulin administration and dietary management, not glucagon.
Choice C Reason:
While managing blood sugar levels during sick days is important, glucagon is not used for this purpose. Clients are usually advised to monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently and adjust their insulin doses as needed during illness. Glucagon is reserved for emergency situations involving severe hypoglycemia.
Choice D Reason:
Glucagon is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that requires immediate medical attention and is treated with insulin, fluids, and electrolytes. Administering glucagon would not address the underlying issues of DKA and could potentially worsen the condition.
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