A nurse from the labor and delivery unit is assigned to float to a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is: d.

Choice A reason: An allergy to penicillin requiring an alternative antibiotic to be prescribed is a common and expected variation in care. Allergies are patient-specific factors that must be accommodated within the care pathway. The need for an alternative antibiotic does not typically constitute a variance that requires reporting, as adjustments for allergies are part of personalized care planning.

Choice B reason: Initiating antibiotic therapy 2 hours after implementation of the care pathway may not require a variance report if it falls within the acceptable time frame for antibiotic administration. The timing of antibiotic therapy can be critical, but slight deviations are often accounted for within the care pathway guidelines. However, if the care pathway specifies a narrower time frame for initiation, then this could be a reportable variance.

Choice C reason: Changing the route of antibiotic therapy from IV to PO (oral) is a clinical decision that may be based on the patient's condition, progress, and ability to tolerate oral medications. This switch is a part of antimicrobial stewardship and is often encouraged when clinically appropriate to reduce IV line use and potential complications. It is a standard practice and does not typically require a variance report unless the change contradicts a specific protocol in the care pathway.

Choice D reason: Obtaining a blood culture after the initiation of antibiotic therapy is a significant variance from the standard care pathway. Blood cultures should be obtained before starting antibiotics to accurately identify the causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivities. Starting antibiotics before obtaining blood cultures can reduce the likelihood of growing the bacteria in the culture, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This is a deviation from the standard of care that requires a variance report.

Choice A reason: This is the first action the nurse preceptor should take to demonstrate appropriate time management. By determining the client care goals, the nurse preceptor can prioritize the most important and urgent tasks for each client and delegate appropriately.

Choice B reason: This is not the first action the nurse preceptor should take to demonstrate appropriate time management. Reviewing the client's new laboratory values is an important task, but it should be done after determining the client care goals and before completing the required tasks.

Choice C reason: This is not the first action the nurse preceptor should take to demonstrate appropriate time management. Completing the required tasks is an essential part of nursing care, but it should be done after determining the client care goals and reviewing the client's new laboratory values.

Choice D reason: This is not the first action the nurse preceptor should take to demonstrate appropriate time management. Documenting the assessment data is a vital part of nursing care, but it should be done after completing the required tasks and before the end of the shift.