NCLEX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Related

Review NCLEX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies related questions and content

The nurse is to administer vancomycin to the client diagnosed with sepsis. The client is to have a peak and trough level completed on this dose of vancomycin. Which action should the nurse initiate first?

  • A. Determine if the trough level has already been drawn on the client.
  • B. Check drug compatibilities before infusing into an existing IV line.
  • C. Evaluate the client's culture and sensitivity (C&S) report results.
  • D. Calculate the rate at which the vancomycin should be infused.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A: A trough level must be drawn before vancomycin (Vancocin) is administered. This is the first action because if the trough level has not been drawn, it will delay the vancomycin dose and could result in a medication error. B: Checking medication compatibilities is important, but this can be completed while the laboratory is obtaining the trough level. C: Checking C&S report results is important, but this can be completed while the laboratory is obtaining the trough level. D: Calculating the administration rate is important, but this can be completed while the laboratory is obtaining the trough level.