The nurse initiates an infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam for a client with a urinary tract infection. Five minutes into the infusion, the client reports not feeling well. Which client manifestation should the nurse identify as a reason to stop the infusion?

Choice A rationale: This is not appropriate because the client's elevated calcium level requires immediate attention and further assessment by the healthcare provider before administering any medications that may further raise calcium levels.

Choice B rationale: The client's total calcium level is significantly elevated, which may indicate hypercalcemia. Given the reference range for total calcium in adults is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L), a calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is abnormally high. Both calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) and calcium carbonate (calcium supplement) can increase calcium levels in the body. Before administering any medication, the nurse should hold both calcitriol and calcium carbonate and notify the healthcare provider of the elevated calcium level. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate course of action and may adjust the dosage or temporarily discontinue the medications to prevent further complications related to hypercalcemia.

Choice C rationale: Holding calcium carbonate is a step in the right direction, but given the significant elevation of total calcium, it is best to hold both medications and consult the healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale: Holding calcitriol is a step in the right direction, but both medications should be held to prevent exacerbation of hypercalcemia until further instructions are received from the healthcare provider.

Choice A rationale: This is essential to ensure that the insulin is not discolored or cloudy, as these changes could indicate a problem with the insulin's stability or effectiveness.
Choice B rationale: While it is essential to have a complete history and physical for proper patient care, double-checking this with another nurse is not necessary in the immediate administration of insulin lispro.
Choice C rationale: Double-checking the dose of insulin in the syringe is crucial to avoid medication errors and ensure that the correct amount is being administered to the patient.
Choice D rationale: The sliding scale order is not mentioned in the information provided, and since it is not part of the immediate insulin administration, it does not need to be double-checked in this context.
Choice E rationale: Checking the expiration date is necessary to ensure that the insulin is still within its usable period. Using expired insulin can lead to reduced potency and potentially ineffective blood sugar control.
Choice F rationale: The information provided in the nurse's notes does not indicate that insulin administration is due at a specific site (e.g., subcutaneous injection). Therefore, there is no need for a second nurse to double-check the site at this moment. However, it's important for the administering nurse to choose the appropriate site following the facility's guidelines and rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy.

Choice G rationale: Different types of insulin come in different concentrations (e.g., U-100, U-200). It's important to confirm that the correct concentration is being used to ensure accurate dosing.
Choice H rationale: The nurse should verify that the insulin to be administered is indeed insulin lispro, as indicated in the medication order. Administering the wrong type of insulin can have significant implications for the patient's blood sugar control.