serum vancomycin levels are taken to measure which of the following

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX PN Test Bank

1. Why is monitoring Serum Vancomycin levels important?

A. to assess renal function
B. to determine therapeutic range
C. to measure trough levels
D. to evaluate antibiotic resistance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring Serum Vancomycin levels is essential to determine the drug's therapeutic range, ensuring optimal effectiveness while avoiding toxicity. Peak levels indicate the drug's highest concentration, while trough levels represent the lowest concentration before the next dose. Assessing renal function is typically done using creatinine, BUN, or creatinine clearance tests, not Serum Vancomycin levels. Evaluating antibiotic resistance involves sensitivity testing, not monitoring Vancomycin levels. Therefore, the correct answer is to determine the therapeutic range.

2. A client with dumping syndrome should _ while a client with GERD should _.

A. lie down 1 hour after meals; sit up at least 30 minutes after meals
B. sit up 1 hour after meals; lie flat 30 minutes after meals
C. sit up after meals; sit up after meals
D. lie down after meals; lie down after meals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients with dumping syndrome should lie down after eating to decrease the symptoms of dumping syndrome, which include rapid gastric emptying leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms. On the other hand, clients with GERD should sit up at least 30 minutes after meals to prevent the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This position helps reduce symptoms by allowing gravity to keep the stomach contents in place, minimizing the chances of reflux. Therefore, the correct answer is to lie down 1 hour after eating for dumping syndrome and to sit up at least 30 minutes after eating for GERD. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the appropriate positioning for each condition.

3. Ethical and moral issues concerning restraints include all of the following except:

A. emotional impact on the client and family
B. dignity of the client
C. client's quality of life
D. policies and procedures

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'policies and procedures.' While policies and procedures are important for guidance and structure, they do not inherently involve ethical or moral considerations. The emotional impact on the client and family, the dignity of the client, and the client's quality of life are all directly related to ethical and moral concerns when it comes to the use of restraints. These factors are crucial in ensuring that the use of restraints is not only physically necessary but also ethically justifiable and respects the individual's rights and well-being. Therefore, options A, B, and C are all aspects that touch upon ethical and moral dimensions in the context of restraints.

4. Which of the following neurological disorders is characterized by writhing, twisting movements of the face and limbs?

A. epilepsy
B. Parkinson's
C. multiple sclerosis
D. Huntington's chorea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Huntington's chorea is a neurological disorder characterized by writhing, twisting movements of the face and limbs, known as chorea. Epilepsy is characterized by seizures, not writhing, twisting movements. Parkinson's disease presents with tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, not writhing, twisting movements. Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system but does not typically involve writhing, twisting movements. Therefore, the correct answer is Huntington's chorea as it specifically manifests with these characteristic movements.

5. In which situation is the nurse upholding the ethical principle of fidelity?

A. Providing complete information regarding treatment options to a client with newly diagnosed cancer
B. Allowing a client to decide when to receive daily hygiene care
C. Inserting a 19-gauge intravenous catheter into a client requiring a blood transfusion
D. Contacting the health care provider about the client's request to incorporate complementary therapies for pain into the treatment plan

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises made to clients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Contacting the health care provider about the client's request to incorporate complementary therapies for pain into the treatment plan exemplifies fidelity. By advocating for the client's preferences and ensuring their requests are addressed, the nurse demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling promises made to the client. Allowing a client to decide when to receive daily hygiene care relates to respecting autonomy, not fidelity. Inserting a 19-gauge intravenous catheter into a client needing a blood transfusion aligns with beneficence, as it involves taking action to provide necessary treatment. Providing complete information to a client with newly diagnosed cancer about treatment options reflects justice, promoting fairness and equity in healthcare by offering equal access to information and treatment choices.