Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Simulated
A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving vancomycin for a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Creatinine 3.1 mg/dL. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate kidney damage, a potential side effect of vancomycin. This is critical as it may require adjustment of the medication dosage to prevent further harm. Reporting this finding promptly can prevent worsening kidney function.
A: Two loose stools in the past 24 hr may be expected due to the Clostridium difficile infection and vancomycin use, but it is not the priority compared to potential kidney damage indicated by elevated creatinine levels.
B: WBC 11,000/mm3 may indicate infection or inflammation, which is important to monitor but not as critical as potential kidney damage in this case.
D: Heart rate 104/min may indicate tachycardia, which can be a sign of various conditions, but it is not the priority compared to monitoring kidney function in a client receiving vancomycin.
A: Two loose stools in the past 24 hr may be expected due to the Clostridium difficile infection and vancomycin use, but it is not the priority compared to potential kidney damage indicated by elevated creatinine levels.
B: WBC 11,000/mm3 may indicate infection or inflammation, which is important to monitor but not as critical as potential kidney damage in this case.
D: Heart rate 104/min may indicate tachycardia, which can be a sign of various conditions, but it is not the priority compared to monitoring kidney function in a client receiving vancomycin.