A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and a new prescription for methotrexate. Which of the following information should the nurse provide?

A. Fidelity refers to faithfulness and keeping promises made to clients.
B. Autonomy respects a client's right to make their own decisions about their care.
C. Nonmaleficence is a core principle in healthcare ethics and emphasizes the primary duty of healthcare providers to do no harm to their clients. This means carefully considering the potential risks and benefits of any treatment or intervention before administering it.
D. Justice ensures fair and equitable access to care for all individuals.

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.