Patient Data

History and Physical Nurses' Notes Laboratory Results Flow Sheet

Exhibits here

Review H and P, nurse's note, laboratory result, and flow sheet.

What information should the nurse collect as part of the focused assessment for dehydration in this child? Select all that apply.

The property of the drugs that, if shared by both, indicates a need to closely monitor the client for drug toxicity is:

Highly protein bound.

When a drug is highly protein bound, it means that a significant portion of the drug molecules bind to proteins in the bloodstream. This binding can affect the availability and distribution of the drug in the body. If two drugs are highly protein bound and administered together, they may compete for binding sites on the proteins, leading to increased levels of unbound (free) drug in the bloodstream. This can result in higher drug concentrations and an increased risk of drug toxicity.

Closely monitoring the client for drug toxicity is necessary when drugs are highly protein bound because there is a potential for increased drug levels and associated adverse effects. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of drug toxicity, as well as routine laboratory tests to assess liver and kidney function, may be necessary in these cases.

The other properties listed do not necessarily indicate a need for closer monitoring for drug toxicity:

• Low bioavailability refers to the fraction of an administered dose that reaches the systemic circulation in an active form. While low bioavailability can affect the effectiveness of a drug, it does not directly imply a need for closer monitoring for drug toxicity.
• Short half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the drug concentration in the body to be eliminated. While drugs with short half-lives may require more frequent dosing, this property does not inherently suggest a need for closer monitoring for drug toxicity.
• High therapeutic index indicates a wide margin of safety for a drug, meaning that the effective dose is significantly lower than the toxic dose. A high therapeutic index implies that the drug has a wide safety margin and is less likely to cause drug toxicity.

The correct answer is choice C. Observe both lower extremities for redness and swelling.

Choice A rationale:

Palpating all peripheral pulse points for volume and strength is important for assessing circulation, but it does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices.IPC devices are primarily used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and improve venous return, so monitoring for signs of DVT is more relevant.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the amount of drainage from the client’s incision is crucial for assessing wound healing and detecting potential infections, but it is not related to the effectiveness of IPC devices.

Choice C rationale:

Observing both lower extremities for redness and swelling is the most important assessment for evaluating the effectiveness of IPC devices. Redness and swelling can be signs of DVT, which IPC devices are designed to prevent.Therefore, this assessment directly measures whether the devices are functioning as intended.

Choice D rationale:

Evaluating the client’s ability to use an incentive spirometer is important for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications, but it does not assess the effectiveness of IPC devices.