A nurse in the medical-surgical unit is assigning client care to a nurse who is floating from the PACU. The nurse should recognize that the float nurse is most qualified to care for which of the following clients?

A. Pediculicide lotions are used to treat lice, not ticks. They are not effective or appropriate for tick removal.
B. Twisting a tick during removal can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded in the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
C. Grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine-tipped tweezers allows for complete removal without squeezing the tick's body.
D. Using a hot ember or match tip can cause the tick to regurgitate into the skin, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

A. Peripheral IV in large vein
Vancomycin should be administered through a large-bore IV to minimize the risk of complications such as phlebitis and to ensure effective drug delivery. This is a key factor in safely administering the medication.
B. Dosage in safe range
Confirming that the dosage is within the safe range ensures that the medication is administered at an effective but non-toxic level. Proper dosing is essential for achieving therapeutic effects without causing harm.
C. No known allergies
Ensuring that the client has no known allergies to vancomycin is critical to prevent allergic reactions. This step is necessary for the safe administration of the antibiotic.
D. Potassium 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L)
While normal potassium levels are important for overall health, they do not specifically indicate the safety of vancomycin administration. Other factors such as IV access and dosage are more directly related to the safety of vancomycin.
E. Used for prophylaxis
Vancomycin is used for endocarditis prophylaxis in this case, which aligns with the clinical guidelines for preventing infections. Understanding the purpose of the medication supports its appropriate use in the client’s care.
F. Blood urea nitrogen 17 mg/dL (6.07 mmol/L)
An elevated BUN level might indicate renal impairment, which could affect vancomycin metabolism. However, this level alone does not directly address the immediate safety of administering the antibiotic compared to other factors like IV access and dosage.