A client is receiving gentamicin every 12 hours IVPB for an infection. The nurse has administered the 0800 dose, which is prescribed to run over 1 hour. The physician prescribed peak and trough levels to be drawn. The nurse recognizes that the peak level will be drawn at

A. While staying hydrated is essential, especially during illness, limiting intake to non-caloric liquids could lead to inadequate caloric intake and worsen the client’s condition. Instead, the client should maintain a balanced intake of fluids and carbohydrates as tolerated.
B. This is a reasonable approach. Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly allows the client to assess how their body is responding to the illness and any adjustments in insulin. If the levels continue to rise, it is important for the client to seek medical attention to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
C. While it is important to manage carbohydrate intake, completely decreasing carbohydrate intake can lead to inadequate caloric consumption, which is especially risky during an illness. The body needs energy, and people with diabetes must balance carbohydrate intake with insulin administration to avoid complications.
D. Holding insulin can lead to dangerously high blood glucose levels. Clients with Type 1 diabetes require insulin regardless of illness, and it’s crucial to adjust the insulin regimen based on current blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake.

A. While it is important to maintain a clean and dry dressing, changing it immediately may not be necessary at this stage. The small amount of bloody drainage could be a normal postoperative finding, and changing the dressing could disturb the surgical site.
B. While it is important to keep the physician informed of any changes, in this case, a small amount of bloody drainage may not warrant immediate notification unless it becomes excessive or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
C. Lowering the head of the bed might not directly address the situation. It may be more appropriate if the patient shows signs of hypotension or distress, but there is no indication that the drainage has caused such a concern at this moment.
D. Marking the area of drainage allows for proper monitoring of the situation. It helps track whether the drainage increases, remains the same, or decreases over time. Documentation of the time and date also provides a clear record for the healthcare team regarding the postoperative course, which is essential for ongoing assessment.