The client is receiving IV doses of Vancomycin every 12 hours. Which would be the nurse's priority to monitor for complications during the period that the patient is receiving this drug?
Serum potassium (K) and sodium (Na) levels.
Temperature and blood pressure.
Daily weight and edema.
Serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Monitoring serum potassium and sodium levels is important in many clinical situations, but it is not the primary concern when administering Vancomycin. Vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity, which is best assessed by monitoring kidney function indicators such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels.
Choice B reason: Temperature and blood pressure should be monitored regularly in patients receiving IV medications, especially antibiotics, to detect signs of infection or adverse reactions. However, the specific priority when administering Vancomycin is monitoring for nephrotoxicity, which is more accurately assessed through serum creatinine and BUN levels.
Choice C reason: Daily weight and edema monitoring are important for assessing fluid balance and potential heart or kidney issues. While useful, these are not the primary markers for detecting complications related to Vancomycin administration.
Choice D reason: Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels are critical indicators of kidney function. Vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity, so monitoring these levels helps detect any signs of kidney injury early, ensuring appropriate adjustments to the medication regimen to prevent further damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Labored and shallow respirations indicate that the patient is struggling to breathe and may not be ventilating effectively. This can quickly lead to respiratory fatigue and failure, and it requires immediate intervention to support the patient's airway and breathing.
Choice B reason: A PaO2 level of 50 mmHg is significantly low, indicating hypoxemia. This is concerning and requires attention, but the immediate visual and tactile signs of labored and shallow breathing take precedence as they are indicative of the patient's overall respiratory effort and ability to maintain adequate ventilation.
Choice C reason: A PaCO2 level of 32 mmHg is low and suggests hyperventilation. While this finding is important, it is not as immediately critical as labored and shallow respirations, which can quickly deteriorate into complete respiratory failure.
Choice D reason: A respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min indicates tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress. However, the quality of respirations (labored and shallow) is a more immediate concern as it directly affects the patient's ability to ventilate and oxygenate effectively.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Explaining ways to decrease paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is helpful for managing this specific symptom of heart failure, which involves difficulty breathing at night due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. While this can improve comfort, it doesn't provide a comprehensive approach to managing heart failure symptoms at home.
Choice B reason: Discussing the effects of medications, ways to assess fluid balance, and positions for enhancing respirations offers a comprehensive approach to managing heart failure symptoms at home. Understanding medication effects helps clients adhere to their treatment plan and manage side effects. Assessing fluid balance is crucial for detecting fluid overload early, a common issue in heart failure. Learning positions that enhance respirations can improve breathing and overall comfort.
Choice C reason: Teaching stress management techniques is beneficial for overall well-being and can indirectly improve heart health by reducing stress, which can exacerbate heart failure symptoms. However, it is not as directly related to managing the physical symptoms of heart failure as other interventions.
Choice D reason: Providing a list of support systems in the community is valuable for emotional and practical support, which can improve quality of life for clients with heart failure. However, it does not directly address the physical symptoms or management of heart failure at home.
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