The health care provider prescribes IV vancomycin for a patient with pneumonia. Which priority action should the nurse perform before the first dose of the antibiotic?
Check the patient's temperature
Obtain sputum cultures
Check the patient's blood pressure
Draw a blood specimen to evaluate the white blood cell count
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Checking the patient's temperature is important for assessing the severity of the pneumonia and monitoring for fever, but it is not the priority action before administering the first dose of vancomycin.
Choice B reason: Obtaining sputum cultures is the priority action because it allows for the identification of the causative organism and determination of its antibiotic susceptibility. This helps ensure that the prescribed antibiotic is appropriate for the patient's infection. Cultures should be obtained before starting antibiotic therapy to avoid interference with culture results.
Choice C reason: Checking the patient's blood pressure is important for overall patient assessment and monitoring, especially considering potential side effects of vancomycin. However, it is not the primary action needed before the first dose of the antibiotic.
Choice D reason: Drawing a blood specimen to evaluate the white blood cell count is useful for assessing the severity of the infection and the patient's immune response. However, this can be done after obtaining the sputum cultures and is not the immediate priority before administering the antibiotic.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Anticipating obtaining a throat swab for rapid streptococcus testing is not immediately related to the use of a budesonide inhaler. This test is typically done when there is a suspicion of a streptococcal infection, not specifically for managing asthma medication side effects.
Choice B reason: Offering reassurance that the symptoms are common with budesonide use may not fully address the patient’s concern or prevent potential complications. It is more effective to provide actionable advice that can help manage the symptoms.
Choice C reason: Suggesting that the patient stop using the spray until the symptoms are resolved could potentially worsen asthma control. Budesonide is an important medication for managing asthma, and discontinuing it without alternative treatment may lead to exacerbation of symptoms.
Choice D reason: Teaching the patient to gargle with water after using the budesonide inhaler is the most appropriate action. This practice helps to reduce the risk of developing oral thrush, a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids like budesonide. Gargling with water removes any residual medication in the mouth, thereby minimizing the risk of infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: NPH (Humulin N) is an intermediate-acting insulin that is used to control blood sugar levels throughout the day, not specifically for mealtime coverage. It is typically administered twice a day.
Choice B reason: Detemir (Levemir) is a long-acting insulin that provides basal insulin coverage. It helps maintain blood sugar levels stable over a 24-hour period and is not intended for controlling post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Choice C reason: Lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin used for mealtime coverage. It is designed to be taken just before or immediately after a meal to control the sudden rise in blood sugar levels that occurs after eating.
Choice D reason: Glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin that provides basal insulin coverage, helping to maintain steady blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. It is not used for mealtime blood sugar control.
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