The client with Clostridium difficile in the stool receives a prescription for vancomycin PO. Which action should the nurse take before administering the first dose?
Auscultate bowel sounds.
Measure oxygen saturation.
Check serum creatinine.
Assess body temperature.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Auscultating bowel sounds is important for assessing gastrointestinal function, but it is not directly related to the administration of vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection.
Choice B rationale
Measuring oxygen saturation is important for assessing respiratory function, but it is not directly related to the administration of vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection.
Choice C rationale
Checking serum creatinine is crucial before administering vancomycin because this medication can be nephrotoxic. Monitoring kidney function helps prevent potential renal damage.
Choice D rationale
Assessing body temperature is important for monitoring infection, but it is not directly related to the administration of vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), typically requires several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. Notifying the healthcare provider for a dosage change after only one week is premature and not supported by clinical guidelines.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating bowel sounds and measuring abdominal girth are not directly related to the effectiveness of lansoprazole in treating GERD. These actions are more relevant for assessing gastrointestinal motility and potential complications like bowel obstruction.
Choice C rationale
Healing of erosive esophagitis with PPIs like lansoprazole usually takes several weeks. Advising the client that healing typically takes several weeks to occur is appropriate and aligns with the expected therapeutic timeline.
Choice D rationale
Lansoprazole should be taken before meals, not after, to maximize its effectiveness. Confirming that the client is taking the medication one hour after meals would not address the issue of symptom persistence.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reported history of alcoholism is the most important assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. Terbinafine is metabolized by the liver, and clients with a history of alcoholism may have impaired liver function, increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver function and assessing for signs of liver damage are crucial before starting treatment.
Choice B rationale
Toenails appear thick and yellow is a common symptom of fungal toenail infection, but it is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. The focus should be on assessing liver function.
Choice C rationale
Employed as a construction worker is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. While occupational exposure to fungi may be relevant, the primary concern is liver function.
Choice D rationale
White blood cell count of 8,500/mm³ (8.5 x 10⁹/L) is within the normal range and is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. The primary concern is liver function.