A nurse is monitoring a client who is on telemetry. Which of the following findings on the ECG strip should the nurse recognize as normal sinus rhythm?

A. A PT of 45 seconds is prolonged and indicates a potential risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation with warfarin. The nurse should notify the provider for further evaluation and adjustment of the warfarin dosage.
B. Platelets within the normal range (150,000-400,000/mm3) are adequate and do not require immediate provider notification.
C. Hematocrit of 44% is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate an urgent need for provider notification.
D. Hemoglobin of 16 g/dL is within the normal range for adults and does not require immediate provider notification.

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.