A client is receiving intravenous (IV) vancomycin and the nurse plans to draw blood for a peak and trough to determine the serum level of the drug. Which collection times provide the best determination of these levels?
Two hours after completion of the IV dose and two hours before the next administration of the medication.
One hour after completion of the IV dose and one hour before the next administration of the medication.
Thirty minutes into the administration of the IV dose and 30 minutes before the next administration of the medication.
Immediately after completion of the IV dose and 30 minutes before the next administration of the medication.
None
None
The Correct Answer is D
A. Two hours after completion is too late to accurately capture the peak serum concentration, and drawing a trough two hours before the next dose will result in an artificially elevated trough level, as the drug has not yet cleared to its lowest concentration.
B. One hour after completion may miss the true peak concentration for intravenous vancomycin, and drawing a trough one hour before the next dose does not represent the absolute lowest point of the medication's therapeutic window.
C. Thirty minutes into the infusion is too early to measure a peak because the entire dose has not yet been delivered into the bloodstream, which can lead to inaccurate clinical decision-making.
D. To capture the maximum concentration of the drug in the bloodstream, the peak level should be drawn immediately after completion of the intravenous infusion (or within 30 to 60 minutes depending on facility protocol and infusion duration). To capture the lowest concentration, the trough level must be drawn immediately prior to the next scheduled dose, typically 30 minutes before administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to reduce muscle spasticity in conditions such as multiple sclerosis. One of the common side effects of baclofen is dizziness or orthostatic hypotension, which can increase the risk of falls. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking to prevent falls and injury.
Choice B rationale: Monitoring intake and output every 8 hours is not directly related to the administration of baclofen.
Choice C rationale: Ensuring the client knows to stop baclofen before using other antispasmodics is not the correct intervention. Baclofen should not be abruptly discontinued without medical advice, and its use should be discussed with the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale: Evaluating muscle strength every 4 hours may be part of the client's overall care plan, but it is not directly related to the administration of baclofen. Muscle strength evaluation is more pertinent for assessing the progression of multiple sclerosis and its effects on muscle function.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: This is not appropriate because the client's elevated calcium level requires immediate attention and further assessment by the healthcare provider before administering any medications that may further raise calcium levels.
Choice B rationale: The client's total calcium level is significantly elevated, which may indicate hypercalcemia. Given the reference range for total calcium in adults is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L), a calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is abnormally high. Both calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) and calcium carbonate (calcium supplement) can increase calcium levels in the body. Before administering any medication, the nurse should hold both calcitriol and calcium carbonate and notify the healthcare provider of the elevated calcium level. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate course of action and may adjust the dosage or temporarily discontinue the medications to prevent further complications related to hypercalcemia.
Choice C rationale: Holding calcium carbonate is a step in the right direction, but given the significant elevation of total calcium, it is best to hold both medications and consult the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale: Holding calcitriol is a step in the right direction, but both medications should be held to prevent exacerbation of hypercalcemia until further instructions are received from the healthcare provider.
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