The patient is a 75-year-old female who has been admitted to the preoperative area in preparation for pacemaker insertion.

She reports that she is undergoing this procedure because her heart rate has been consistently low, she feels constantly fatigued, and she has experienced one episode of fainting due to a low heart rate.

The patient has a history of progressively worsening symptomatic bradycardia and a history of atrial fibrillation, which is controlled by medication.

She has been off anticoagulants for four days in preparation for the procedure.

As the nurse prepares the patient’s plan of care, which four findings would indicate that it would be safe to administer the antibiotic vancomycin?

Potassium level is 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L).

The antibiotic is being used for prophylaxis.

Blood urea nitrogen level is 17 mg/dL (6.07 mmol/L).

The dosage of the antibiotic is within the safe range.

The patient has no known allergies.

The patient has a peripheral IV in a large vein.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,C,E

Choice A rationale
A potassium level of 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L) is within the normal range. Potassium is a critical electrolyte in the body, playing key roles in cellular metabolism, protein synthesis, and electrical action potential regulation across cell membranes. Normal potassium levels typically range from 3.5 to 5.1 mmol/L1. Therefore, a potassium level of 4.4 mEq/L indicates that the patient’s potassium level is within the normal range, which is a safe condition for the administration of vancomycin.
Choice B rationale

The use of antibiotics for prophylaxis, or prevention, is a common practice in healthcare, particularly in surgical procedures such as pacemaker insertion. This is done to prevent potential infections that could occur during or after the procedure. Vancomycin is a type of antibiotic that is often used for prophylaxis against infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)3. Therefore, if the antibiotic is being used for prophylaxis, it would be safe to administer vancomycin.
Choice C rationale
A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 17 mg/dL (6.07 mmol/L) is within the normal range. The BUN test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which can provide important information about kidney function. Urea nitrogen is a waste product that is created in the liver when protein is metabolized. It is then transported through the blood to the kidneys, which filter out most of the urea nitrogen, leaving a small amount in the blood. Normal BUN levels typically range from 6 to 20 mg/dL4. Therefore, a BUN level of 17 mg/dL indicates that the patient’s kidney function is within the normal range, which is a safe condition for the administration of vancomycin.
Choice E rationale
The absence of known allergies in a patient is a crucial factor in determining the safety of administering any medication, including vancomycin. Allergic reactions to medications can range from mild symptoms such as rash and itching to severe and life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis. Therefore, if a patient has no known allergies, it would be safe to administer vancomycin.
Choice D rationale

While it’s true that the dosage of the antibiotic should be within the safe range, the specific dosage of vancomycin for the patient isn’t provided in the question. Therefore, we cannot definitively say that this condition is met based on the information given.
Choice F rationale
Although vancomycin can be administered via a peripheral IV in a large vein, it’s important to note that vancomycin has a low pH and may cause venous irritation and tissue damage in cases of extravasation. Therefore, while it’s possible to administer vancomycin this way, it’s not necessarily an indicator of safety.

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Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Chills and fever are not typically associated with preeclampsia. They are more commonly seen in infections.
Choice B rationale
Lack of appetite is a non-specific symptom and can be associated with many conditions, but it is not a key indicator of preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale
Swollen hands can be a symptom of preeclampsia. This condition can cause sudden weight gain and swelling (edema), particularly in your face and hands.

Choice D rationale
Headaches are a common symptom of preeclampsia. They are often severe and may be accompanied by changes in vision.
Choice E rationale
Blurred vision is a symptom of preeclampsia. Other vision changes, such as sensitivity to light or temporary loss of vision, can also occur.
Choice F rationale
Frequent urination is not typically associated with preeclampsia. It is a common symptom in early and late pregnancy due to the growing uterus pressing on the bladder.

A. Blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L). B. Serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L). C. Hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L). D. Potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L).

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice B rationale
A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L) is significantly elevated, indicating impaired kidney function. This is a critical lab value that should be reported to the surgeon immediately, as it could impact the patient’s ability to safely undergo surgery and recover postoperatively.

Choice C rationale
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice D rationale
A potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is educating a first-time pregnant woman about preeclampsia. Which symptoms are indicators of preeclampsia and should be reported to the healthcare provider? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which result is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is developing the plan of care for a client diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome and identifies that the client’s risk factors include poor wound healing, decreased bone density, and increased capillary fragility. Which outcome statement should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A client with schizophrenia is admitted to the hospital reporting auditory hallucinations. Which query is most important for the nurse to include in the client’s assessment?

Which assessment finding is most crucial when planning to provide a complete bed bath to a bedfast client?

The nurse is monitoring a patient with Cushing’s disease in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following a hypophysectomy. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the patient’s plan of care?

The nurse is about to administer a histamine 2-receptor antagonist to a patient with peptic ulcer disease. What is the primary purpose of this class of medication?

The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to provide personal care for a patient who requires contact precautions. The UAP has put on a gown and gloves and has secured the tops of the gloves over the gown sleeves. What action should the nurse take?