What is the best method of monitoring therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin during therapy?

By assessing the temperature every 4 hours

By repeating a culture and sensitivity test on day 3

By obtaining drug peak and trough levels

By assessing for breathlessness

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. By assessing the temperature every 4 hours:

Monitoring temperature every 4 hours is a common practice in hospitalized patients to detect fever, which could indicate an infection or an inflammatory response. However, this method does not directly assess the therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin. Fever alone does not provide specific information about the effectiveness or concentration of the antibiotic in the bloodstream.

B. By repeating a culture and sensitivity test on day 3:

Culture and sensitivity tests involve taking a sample from the patient (such as blood, urine, or sputum) and growing the microorganisms in a laboratory to identify the causative organism and determine its susceptibility to antibiotics. While this test is essential for identifying the appropriate antibiotic therapy initially, repeating it on day 3 does not directly monitor therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin. It also doesn't provide real-time information about the concentration of vancomycin in the bloodstream.

C. By obtaining drug peak and trough levels:

This choice involves measuring the highest (peak) and lowest (trough) concentrations of vancomycin in the bloodstream. Peak levels are typically measured about 1 hour after the completion of a vancomycin infusion, while trough levels are measured just before the next dose is administered. These measurements allow healthcare providers to ensure that the drug concentration remains within the therapeutic range to effectively treat the infection while minimizing the risk of toxicity.

D. By assessing for breathlessness:

Assessing for breathlessness is important for monitoring respiratory status, particularly in patients receiving vancomycin, as rare side effects like red-man syndrome or anaphylaxis can cause respiratory distress. However, this method does not directly monitor therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "Expect your urine to turn pink or red while taking this medication."

This statement is incorrect. Vancomycin does not typically cause urine discoloration. However, red man syndrome, characterized by flushing of the skin, particularly on the face and upper body, can occur with rapid infusion of vancomycin. This is not related to urine color change.

B. "Discontinue the medication once your symptoms subside."

This statement is incorrect. It's crucial for the client to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before completing the treatment course. Discontinuing the medication prematurely can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance and recurrence of the infection.

C. "Notify your provider if you experience any changes in your hearing."

This statement is correct. Vancomycin can potentially cause ototoxicity, which may manifest as changes in hearing, including ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss. Clients should be instructed to report any such symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

D. "Decrease your fluid intake to 1000ml per day."

This statement is incorrect. Adequate hydration is essential, especially when taking medications like vancomycin, to help prevent kidney damage and promote drug elimination. Restricting fluid intake is not advisable unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider for a particular medical reason.

A. recognizing the role of spirituality in health and healing B. focusing on treatment of the person as an individual C. focusing only on the physical health D. promotion of disease prevention, self care and self-healing

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A.Recognizing the role of spirituality in health and healing:

Many CAM therapies acknowledge the importance of spirituality in health and healing. Spiritual well-being is considered an integral aspect of overall health in many CAM modalities. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness often incorporate spiritual elements. Therefore, recognizing the role of spirituality in health and healing is a common characteristic of CAM therapies.

B. Focusing on treatment of the person as an individual:

One of the key principles of CAM therapies is treating the individual as a whole, taking into account physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. CAM practitioners often emphasize personalized care tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of each individual. Therefore, focusing on the treatment of the person as an individual is a common characteristic of CAM therapies.

C. Focusing only on physical health:

This statement is incorrect. Unlike conventional Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the physical aspects of health and disease, CAM therapies often take a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, CAM therapies typically address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, rather than focusing solely on physical health.

D.Promotion of disease prevention, self-care, and self-healing:

Many CAM therapies emphasize the importance of disease prevention, self-care practices, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself. These therapies often encourage individuals to take an active role in maintaining their health and well-being through lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, dietary changes, and other self-care practices. Therefore, promotion of disease prevention, self-care, and self-healing is a common characteristic of CAM therapies.

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What is the best method of monitoring therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin during therapy?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about vancomycin with a client who has an infection. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse understands that CAM therapies have common characteristics, such as which of the following? (Select All that Apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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