Patient Data

Exhibits

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According to the information gathered in the nurse's assessment, the nurse should prepare to give the client

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A. No known allergies: Confirming the client has no allergies to vancomycin or related substances is critical for safe administration. Administering an antibiotic to a client with a known allergy could result in life-threatening anaphylaxis.

B. Used for prophylaxis: Although vancomycin is often used prophylactically before procedures to prevent infection, the indication alone does not ensure that it is safe to administer. Safety focuses more on client-specific factors like allergies and organ function.

C. Potassium 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L): This is a normal potassium level and reflects good electrolyte balance but does not directly relate to the safety of administering vancomycin, which is more concerning for kidney function and allergic reactions.

D. Dosage in safe range: Verifying that the vancomycin dose is within the recommended therapeutic range is essential to prevent toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, which are risks with improper dosing.

E. Peripheral IV (PIV) in large vein: Administering vancomycin through a large-bore IV in a large vein reduces the risk of phlebitis and tissue irritation. Proper venous access is an important safety consideration when giving this medication.

F. Blood urea nitrogen 17 mg/dL (6.07 mmol/L): A normal BUN level suggests that renal function is adequate. Since vancomycin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, good renal function supports safe medication clearance and reduces toxicity risk.

A. May stop taking medication if no symptoms of GI discomfort: Pantoprazole is prescribed prophylactically in burn clients to prevent stress ulcers, not just to treat existing symptoms. Stopping it without medical advice could increase the risk of serious complications like gastric bleeding.

B. Explain that pantoprazole may be taken with or without food: Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), can be taken without regard to meals. Educating the client on flexible timing improves adherence and reduces confusion about the medication regimen.

C. Teach the client about risk of developing a Curling's ulcer: Severe burns increase the risk of Curling’s ulcer, a stress-related gastric ulcer. Explaining this risk helps the client understand the preventative role of pantoprazole in their overall care plan.

D. Discuss the risk of gastric bleeding related to severe burns: Gastric bleeding is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication associated with stress ulcers in burn patients. Teaching the client about this risk provides a clear rationale for continuing pantoprazole therapy.

E. Tell how pantoprazole effectively heals ulcers: While pantoprazole can treat ulcers, in this case it is prescribed to prevent ulcer formation rather than to heal an existing ulcer. The teaching should focus on prevention, not healing.