A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving vancomycin. The nurse notes a flushing of the neck and tachycardia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Decrease the infusion rate on the IV.
Document that the client experienced an anaphylactic reaction to the medication.
Change the IV infusion site.
Apply cold compresses to the neck area.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Decrease the Infusion Rate on the IV
Decreasing the infusion rate on the IV is the appropriate action to take when a client experiences flushing of the neck and tachycardia while receiving vancomycin. These symptoms are indicative of vancomycin flushing syndrome (VFS), also known as “red man syndrome,” which is a reaction caused by the rapid infusion of vancomycin. Slowing the infusion rate allows the body more time to metabolize the drug and can help alleviate the symptoms.
Choice B reason: Document that the Client Experienced an Anaphylactic Reaction to the Medication
Documenting that the client experienced an anaphylactic reaction is not accurate in this scenario. Vancomycin flushing syndrome is an anaphylactoid reaction, not an anaphylactic one. Anaphylactoid reactions are not mediated by IgE antibodies and do not require prior sensitization to the drug. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between the two and document the reaction correctly.
Choice C reason: Change the IV Infusion Site
Changing the IV infusion site is not necessary in this case. The symptoms of flushing and tachycardia are related to the rate of vancomycin infusion, not the site of infusion. Therefore, changing the site would not address the underlying issue.
Choice D reason: Apply Cold Compresses to the Neck Area
Applying cold compresses to the neck area may provide some symptomatic relief, but it does not address the root cause of the reaction. The primary intervention should be to slow the infusion rate to prevent further release of histamine and alleviate the symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Low-Grade Fever
Low-grade fever is a common early symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is often associated with the body’s inflammatory response to the autoimmune activity occurring in the joints. While it can persist throughout the disease, it is not considered a late manifestation.
Choice B reason: Weight Loss
Weight loss can occur in RA due to chronic inflammation and its effects on metabolism and appetite. However, it is more commonly seen in the early to middle stages of the disease rather than as a late manifestation. Persistent inflammation can lead to muscle wasting and weight loss, but these are not specific to the advanced stages of RA.
Choice C reason: Anorexia
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is another symptom that can be present in RA. It is often related to the chronic inflammation and pain associated with the disease, which can reduce a person’s desire to eat. Like weight loss, anorexia can occur at various stages of RA and is not specifically a late manifestation.
Choice D reason: Knuckle Deformity
Knuckle deformity is a late manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. As RA progresses, the chronic inflammation can lead to joint damage and deformities, particularly in the hands and fingers. This includes changes such as ulnar deviation, swan neck deformities, and boutonnière deformities. These deformities result from the destruction of joint tissues and the formation of scar tissue, which can significantly impair hand function.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The first step in removing an NG tube is to verify the provider’s prescription to discontinue the tube. This ensures that the removal is authorized and appropriate for the client’s current condition.
Choice B reason:
Disconnecting the tube from the wall suction is an important step, but it should be done after verifying the provider’s prescription. This step prevents any suction-related complications during the removal process.
Choice C reason:
Performing hand hygiene is crucial to prevent infection, but it is not the first step. Hand hygiene should be performed after verifying the provider’s prescription and before touching the client or any equipment.
Choice D reason:
Providing mouth care to the client is important for comfort and hygiene, but it is not the first step in the process of removing an NG tube. This can be done after the tube has been safely removed.
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