A young adult calls the clinic to ask for a prescription for a new flu drug.

He says he has had the flu for almost 4 days and just heard about a drug that can reduce the symptoms.

What is the nurse’s best response to his request?

Choice A rationale:

A WBC count of 16,000/mm is higher than the normal range of 5,000 to 10,000 cells/mm. This indicates that the body is fighting an infection, which is a common reason for prescribing Vancomycin. Therefore, a high WBC count could indicate a therapeutic response to the medication as it suggests that the body’s immune system is actively fighting the infection.

Choice B rationale:

A BUN level of 42 mg/dl is higher than the normal range of 7 to 20 mg/dL3456. Elevated BUN levels can indicate kidney damage or disease, which is not a desired therapeutic response to Vancomycin. Vancomycin can be nephrotoxic, and its use requires careful monitoring of kidney function. Therefore, a high BUN level does not indicate a therapeutic response to the medication. Choice C rationale:

A blood pressure reading of 95/64 is considered normal. Maintaining normal blood pressure is important for overall health and can indicate that the patient’s body is responding well to the medication. Therefore, a blood pressure reading within the normal range could indicate a therapeutic response to Vancomycin.

Choice D rationale:

A body temperature of 101.8F is considered a fever14. Fever is a common response to infection and can indicate that the body is fighting off an infection, which is a common reason for prescribing Vancomycin. Therefore, a high body temperature could indicate a therapeutic response to the medication as it suggests that the body’s immune system is actively fighting the infection.

Choice A rationale:

Insulin is not absorbed most rapidly when injected in the thigh. The abdomen is actually the preferred site for insulin injection as insulin is absorbed more quickly and predictably there. The thigh is a simple area for self-injection, but regular injections in the thigh can sometimes cause discomfort when walking or running afterward.

Choice B rationale:

Using cold insulin for injection to minimize site pain is not recommended. Insulin should be at room temperature. Cold insulin might make the injection more painful.

Choice C rationale:

Massaging the site after injection to promote absorption is not advised. It can cause the insulin to be absorbed too quickly which can lead to low blood glucose levels.

Choice D rationale:

Rotating the injection site to keep insulin levels consistent is the correct choice. People who take insulin daily should rotate their injection sites. This is important because using the same spot over time can cause lipodystrophy. In this condition, fat either breaks down or builds up under the skin, causing lumps or indentations that interfere with insulin absorption.