A nurse is caring for a client who was exposed to anthrax.
Which of the following antibiotics should the nurse plan to administer?

Choice A rationale:

Holding the drug and administering it 4 hours later is not the appropriate action. The trough vancomycin level of 24 mcg/mL is higher than the recommended range of 10-20 mcg/mL, indicating potential risk for toxicity. Administering the drug later does not address the immediate concern of a high trough level.

Choice B rationale:

Administering the vancomycin as ordered is not the correct action in this case. The trough level is above the recommended range, which could lead to vancomycin toxicity. The nurse should not administer the medication without addressing the high trough level. Choice C rationale:

This is the correct action. The nurse should hold the drug and notify the prescriber because the trough vancomycin level is higher than the recommended range. The prescriber can then make a decision based on this information, which may include adjusting the dose, extending the dosing interval, or ordering additional tests.

Choice D rationale:

While repeating the test to verify results might be done eventually, it should not be the immediate next step. The nurse has a responsibility to ensure patient safety, and with a trough level above the recommended range, the priority is to prevent potential toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should hold the drug and notify the prescriber.

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the client to soak his feet daily is not recommended for individuals with diabetes. Soaking the feet can increase the risk of foot problems, particularly if the person has nerve damage or poor blood flow. It can lead to dry and cracked skin, which can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, this intervention should not be included in the care plan.

Choice B rationale:

Assisting the client in developing an individualized meal plan is a crucial intervention for managing type 2 diabetes. Meal planning is the first step in healthy eating and is especially important for people with diabetes because food directly impacts blood glucose levels. An individualized meal plan considers the person’s goals, tastes, lifestyle, and any medicines they’re taking. Therefore, this intervention should be included in the care plan.

Choice C rationale:

Checking the client’s blood glucose level before meals and at bedtime is an essential part of managing diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels can help track the effect of diabetes medicines, understand how diet and exercise affect blood glucose levels, and detect if blood glucose levels are high or low. Therefore, this intervention should be included in the care plan.

Choice D rationale:

Administering an extra dose of insulin if the client’s blood glucose level drops to 50 mg/dl is not recommended. If a person’s blood glucose level is already low, administering additional insulin can lead to an insulin overdose, which can be lifethreatening. Therefore, this intervention should not be included in the care plan.