A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is receiving vancomycin daily. The nurse should review which of the following laboratory results prior to administering the next dose?

A. Tell the client they will get used to the side effects: Minimizing or dismissing the client’s concerns about medication side effects does not respect their autonomy or provide safe guidance. It could undermine trust and does not address the risks of alternative therapies.

B. Check the client's other medications for potential interactions: Saw palmetto can interact with other medications, including anticoagulants and hormonal therapies. Reviewing the client’s current medications ensures safety and helps prevent adverse effects if they choose to use the herbal supplement.

C. Report the client's refusal to the nursing supervisor: While documentation of medication refusal is necessary, immediately reporting without addressing safety and interactions does not support client-centered care or informed decision-making.

D. Explain how harmful herbal medications can be: Not all herbal supplements are inherently harmful. Providing balanced information about potential benefits, risks, and interactions is more appropriate than blanket statements that may seem judgmental.

A. "Drink the elixir using a straw to prevent staining your teeth.": Using a straw helps prevent the liquid iron from coming into direct contact with the teeth, reducing the risk of permanent staining, which is a common side effect of ferrous sulfate elixir.

B. "Take the medication with an antacid if it upsets your stomach.": Antacids decrease the absorption of iron. To optimize effectiveness, ferrous sulfate should be taken on an empty stomach or with vitamin C–rich foods, rather than with antacids.

C. "Increase your fiber intake to prevent constipation.": Iron supplements commonly cause constipation. Increasing dietary fiber, fluids, and physical activity can help manage this adverse effect and maintain regular bowel function.

D. "Stop taking the medication if your stools become green or black.": Dark stools are a common, harmless side effect of iron supplementation. Clients should be reassured rather than stopping the medication.

E. "Increase your intake of dairy products to increase the absorption of this medication.": Dairy products contain calcium, which inhibits iron absorption. Iron should be taken separately from calcium-rich foods or supplements to maximize absorption.