The client is receiving IV doses of Vancomycin every 12 hours. Which would be the nurse's priority to monitor for complications during the period that the patient is receiving this drug?

Choice A reason: Completion of antibiotic therapy does not necessarily correlate with a decrease in the risk of infection in burn patients. While antibiotics can help manage existing infections, the risk for new infections remains until the burn wounds are fully healed. Open burn wounds provide a portal of entry for pathogens, and the presence of necrotic tissue can further increase infection risk.

Choice B reason: Returning albumin levels to normal can improve the overall nutritional status and healing process of a burn patient, but it does not directly reduce the risk of infection. Albumin levels are more indicative of the patient's nutritional status and fluid balance. The primary concern for infection risk remains the open burn wounds, which serve as a direct route for pathogens.

Choice C reason: Completion of the fluid resuscitation process is crucial for stabilizing a burn patient's hemodynamic status and ensuring adequate perfusion to tissues. However, fluid resuscitation does not directly impact the risk of infection. The risk of infection is predominantly related to the presence and extent of open burn wounds.

Choice D reason: The correct response is that the risk for infection significantly decreases when all of the burn wounds have closed. Closed wounds provide a barrier against pathogens and reduce the risk of infection. Wound closure can be achieved through natural healing or surgical interventions such as skin grafting. Until the wounds are fully closed, the patient remains at a high risk for infection.

Choice A reason: Decreased cardiac arrhythmias are not the primary desired effect of dobutamine in heart failure patients. While dobutamine can have some effects on heart rhythm, its main action is to increase the strength of the heart's contractions.

Choice B reason: Increased myocardial contractility is the correct and desired effect of dobutamine. Dobutamine is a positive inotropic agent, meaning it increases the force of the heart's contractions. This is particularly beneficial in heart failure patients as it helps improve cardiac output and the effectiveness of the heart as a pump, thus alleviating symptoms of heart failure and improving organ perfusion.

Choice C reason: Decreased electrical conductivity in the heart is not an effect of dobutamine. In fact, dobutamine can increase the risk of arrhythmias due to its stimulating effects on the heart. The drug works by enhancing the contractility of the heart muscle rather than altering the electrical conduction system.

Choice D reason: Dilated coronary arteries are not a primary effect of dobutamine. While the drug may have some vasodilatory properties, especially at higher doses, its primary role is to enhance myocardial contractility rather than directly dilate the coronary arteries.