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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the intestines. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that can impair mental status in patients with liver dysfunction. By decreasing ammonia levels, lactulose helps improve cognitive function and mental status in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B rationale
While lactulose can cause diarrhea as a side effect, the therapeutic goal in hepatic encephalopathy is not to reduce the number of liquid stools but to lower ammonia levels in the blood. The reduction in ammonia levels leads to improved mental status, not necessarily a reduction in liquid stools.
Choice C rationale
The ability to ambulate independently is not a direct therapeutic response to lactulose. The primary goal of lactulose therapy in hepatic encephalopathy is to improve mental status by reducing ammonia levels, not to enhance physical mobility.
Choice D rationale
Lactulose does not have a direct effect on urine output. Its primary mechanism of action is to reduce ammonia absorption in the intestines, thereby improving mental status in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Postural drainage involves placing the client in various positions to facilitate the drainage of secretions from different parts of the lungs. Typically, the client may be placed in five positions: head down, prone, right and left lateral, and sitting upright.
Choice B rationale
Performing postural drainage immediately after meals is not recommended as it can cause nausea, vomiting, and aspiration. It is best to perform the procedure before meals.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) prior to the procedure is not a standard requirement for postural drainage. ABGs are typically obtained to assess the client’s respiratory status but are not necessary for the procedure itself.
Choice D rationale
Instructing the client to breathe shallow and fast is not appropriate for postural drainage. The client should be encouraged to breathe slowly and deeply to help keep the airways open and facilitate the drainage of secretions.