A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer. The client and her partner are asking the nurse about hospice care. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

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: Asking the client's daughter to interpret the conversation is not a correct action, as it may compromise the accuracy and confidentiality of the information. The nurse should not use family members or friends as interpreters, as they may have biases, emotions, or personal agendas that could interfere with the communication.

Choice B reason: Talking loudly while facing the client is not a correct action, as it may be perceived as rude or aggressive by the client. The nurse should not assume that the client can understand them better by increasing the volume or using gestures, as these may have different meanings in different cultures.

Choice C reason: Accessing a language line to interpret what is being said is the correct action, as it ensures that the communication is clear, accurate, and respectful. The nurse should use a qualified interpreter who is familiar with the medical terminology and the cultural context of the client.

Choice D reason: Using a bilingual dictionary to translate is not a correct action, as it may be time-consuming and ineffective. The nurse should not rely on a dictionary or a translation app, as they may not capture the nuances or expressions of the language. The nurse should also avoid using medical jargon or slang that may not be understood by the client.