A nurse is assessing a child who has bacterial pneumonia.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is choice B. Instruct the client to notify the provider if diarrhea develops.

Choice A rationale:

Infusing the medication over 10 minutes is incorrect because penicillin G should typically be infused over 15-30 minutes to ensure proper administration and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to notify the provider if diarrhea develops is correct because diarrhea can be a sign of a serious side effect, such as antibiotic-associated colitis, which requires prompt medical attention.

Choice C rationale:

Refrigerating the medication after reconstitution is not necessary for penicillin G. This instruction is more relevant for other medications that require refrigeration to maintain stability.

Choice D rationale:

Checking the client for a sulfa allergy is not relevant to penicillin G, as it is not a sulfa drug. This action would be more appropriate for medications containing sulfonamides.

Answer is…

The following provider prescriptions are anticipated or contraindicated for the client:.

• Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Anticipated. This prescription is anticipated because the client may have oliguria or anuria due to dehydration, hypovolemia, or renal impairment caused by pancreatitis. A urinary catheter can help monitor the urine output and fluid status of the client.
• Insert a nasogastric tube and maintain low intermittent suction. Anticipated. This prescription is anticipated because the client may have nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension due to pancreatitis. A nasogastric tube can help decompress the stomach, reduce pancreatic stimulation, and prevent aspiration.
• Administer lactated Ringer’s 1 L via IV bolus. Anticipated. This prescription is anticipated because the client may have hypovolemia, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances due to pancreatitis. Lactated Ringer’s solution can help restore fluid and electrolyte balance, improve tissue perfusion, and prevent shock.
• Administer famotidine 20 mg via intermittent IV infusion twice daily. Anticipated. This prescription is anticipated because the client may have gastric hypersecretion and peptic ulcer disease due to pancreatitis. Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that can help reduce gastric acid production, protect the gastric mucosa, and promote healing of ulcers.