A nurse working in the emergency department is assessing several clients. Which of the following clients is the highest priority?

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: Information regarding organ donation is not part of advance directives, but rather a separate document that the client can sign to indicate their willingness to donate their organs or tissues after death. The nurse should inform the client about the option and process of organ donation, but not include it in the advance directives.

Choice B reason: Instructions regarding treatments the client desires or does not desire is part of advance directives, as it allows the client to express their preferences and values regarding their health care in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves. The nurse should help the client understand the benefits and risks of different treatments and document their choices in the advance directives.

Choice C reason: Information regarding the disposition of the client's body upon death is not part of advance directives, but rather a personal or legal matter that the client can arrange with their family or attorney. The nurse should respect the client's wishes regarding their body after death, but not include it in the advance directives.

Choice D reason: A form with directions for contacting next of kin is not part of advance directives, but rather a routine document that the client can fill out when they are admitted to the facility. The nurse should obtain the client's contact information and emergency contacts, but not include it in the advance directives.