The nurse is scheduled to administer the patient’s next dose of vancomycin at 9:30 a.m. At what time should the nurse draw the patient’s blood to check the trough vancomycin level?

Choice A rationale:

STAT orders are urgent and require immediate action. They are typically used for life-threatening situations or when a rapid response is needed to prevent serious harm. In this case, an EKG is important for patients admitted to the cardiac unit, but it is not necessarily an urgent procedure that requires immediate action in all cases.

STAT orders are often given verbally or over the phone, and they are typically written in all capital letters with the word "STAT" prominently displayed.

Examples of STAT orders include medications for cardiac arrest, intubation for respiratory distress, or emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix.

Choice B rationale:

PRN orders are "as needed" orders, meaning they are only carried out when a specific condition or symptom arises. They are not routinely implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting.

PRN orders allow for flexibility in treatment plans and can help to manage pain, nausea, anxiety, or other symptoms that may fluctuate over time.

Examples of PRN orders include pain medication, anti-nausea medication, or sedatives.

Choice C rationale:

One-time orders are administered only once and are not repeated. They are often used for procedures, diagnostic tests, or medications that are not required on an ongoing basis.

In this case, an EKG is typically a one-time order for patients outside of the cardiac unit, but it becomes a standing order for patients admitted to the cardiac unit due to the increased importance of cardiac monitoring in this setting.

Examples of one-time orders include a chest X-ray, a blood draw, or a dose of antibiotics.

Choice D rationale:

Standing orders are routine orders that are implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting, unless otherwise specified. They are designed to provide consistent and standardized care, and they often reflect best practices or guidelines for a specific patient population.

Standing orders can help to streamline care processes, reduce the need for individual orders, and ensure that patients receive necessary treatments or interventions without delay.

In this case, the standing order for an EKG upon admission to the cardiac unit ensures that all patients receive this important cardiac assessment, even if the ordering provider does not specifically write an order for it.

Other examples of standing orders in a cardiac unit might include daily weights, regular vital sign checks, or administration of cardiac medications.

Choice A rationale:

Inaccurate statement: While herbal supplements are derived from plant materials, this does not inherently guarantee their safety or non-toxicity. Some plants contain potent compounds that can have adverse effects, even in small doses.

Lack of regulation: Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications. This means that there is no guarantee of their purity, potency, or consistency.

Potential for interactions: Herbal supplements can interact with prescription medications, potentially leading to harmful side effects.

Choice B rationale:

Cost-related issue: The cost of herbal supplements can vary widely. While some may be less expensive than prescription medications, others can be quite costly.

Misleading focus: Emphasizing cost as a primary factor could lead patients to prioritize affordability over safety and effectiveness.

Choice C rationale:

Addresses quality concerns: This response directly addresses the lack of stringent quality standards for herbal supplements, highlighting a significant safety concern.

Encourages informed decision-making: This response encourages patients to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of herbal supplements, prompting them to seek reliable information and discuss their choices with healthcare providers.

Choice D rationale:

Convenience vs. safety: While the convenience of herbal supplements may be appealing, this response does not address the potential safety concerns associated with their use.

Potential for misuse: Highlighting convenience could lead to patients using herbal supplements inappropriately or without necessary guidance from healthcare professionals.