The physician has ordered for the client to receive a trough blood level to evaluate the therapeutic effect of an antibiotic. The nurse understands that the trough should be ordered:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A few minutes before the next scheduled dose of medication. This timing ensures that the trough level represents the lowest concentration of the antibiotic in the client's bloodstream, allowing for an accurate assessment of how well the medication is being metabolized and eliminated. Explanation: 1. Trough level is usually measured just before the next dose to ensure that the drug has reached its lowest concentration. 2. This timing helps determine if the drug concentration remains within the therapeutic range and if adjustments to the dosing regimen are needed. 3. Option B is incorrect because waiting 1-2 hours after oral administration would not reflect the trough level. 4. Option C is incorrect as measuring 30 minutes after IV administration would not capture the trough level accurately. 5. Option D is incorrect because measuring during infusion would not provide an accurate trough level. In summary, the trough level should be ordered just before the next dose to accurately assess the drug's concentration at its lowest point.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Document the time of death. This action is indicated first as it is crucial for legal and medical records. It provides an accurate timestamp for the event. Notifying the funeral home (A) is premature without proper documentation. Contacting the physician (C) may be needed later, but documenting the time of death takes precedence. Contacting the orderly for transport (D) should only occur after the time of death is documented.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: At 4 weeks pregnant, progesterone levels are expected to rise to support the pregnancy. A lower than expected progesterone level could indicate a potential issue with maintaining the pregnancy. Estrogen levels also rise during pregnancy, so B is incorrect. Prostaglandins are not typically measured in routine pregnancy assessments, making C irrelevant. Luteinizing hormone levels decrease after ovulation and remain low during pregnancy, so D is also incorrect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Male condoms. Condoms provide a physical barrier that can significantly reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by preventing direct contact between bodily fluids. They are the most effective method for STI protection. Oral contraceptives (A) do not protect against STIs. Sponges (C) and spermicides (D) offer some pregnancy protection but do not provide significant STI protection like condoms do.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action is to assess the right leg for pulses, skin color, and temperature first. This is essential to determine the perfusion and circulation to the affected area. Assessing for pulses helps in evaluating blood flow, skin color indicates tissue perfusion, and temperature can indicate infection or compromised blood flow. This assessment is crucial in identifying any circulation issues that may exacerbate the pressure ulcer. Drawing blood for lab tests (Choice A) is important but not the priority. Obtaining a wound culture (Choice B) and elevating the foot (Choice C) are important interventions but should come after assessing circulation to address the underlying cause of the pressure ulcer.