Final answer:
The nurse should report a decreased creatinine clearance to the healthcare provider before administering piperacillin/tazobactam, as it can indicate impaired kidney function and the need for dose adjustment. correct answer is c) Decreased creatinine clearance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should report a decreased creatinine clearance to the healthcare provider before administering the prescribed dose of piperacillin/tazobactam for nosocomial pneumonia.
Piperacillin/tazobactam is an antibiotic that is primarily excreted by the kidneys, hence the renal function is an important consideration before starting therapy. Decreased creatinine clearance is an indicator of impaired kidney function, which could subsequently lead to an increased risk of drug accumulation and potential toxicity. Before the administration of a high dose of any medication that is excreted by the kidneys, it is crucial to assess kidney function to adjust the dose accordingly to avoid any severe side effects.
Other laboratory findings such as elevated white blood cell count or the presence of gram-positive bacteria in the sputum are typically expected in a patient with a bacterial pneumonia and usually would not be a reason to withhold antibiotic treatment. Elevated cholesterol and lipoproteins are not directly relevant to the administration of antibiotics and are unlikely to influence the decision to administer piperacillin/tazobactam.