A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving DSW with 20 mEq of KCL at 75 mL/hr. The provider has prescribed 1 g of ceftriaxone IV. When preparing to administer this medication by IV piggyback, which of the following data is the highest priority for the nurse to consider before administration?
The patient's vital signs<br>
The medication's compatibility with the primary IV solution
The patient's level of consciousness
The amount of IV solution in the primary bag
The Correct Answer is B
B. This is the highest priority. Before administering ceftriaxone via IV piggyback, the nurse must ensure compatibility with the primary IV solution (D5W with KCl). Certain medications can interact chemically or physically with other IV solutions or medications, leading to precipitation, inactivation, or other adverse effects. Compatibility should be verified through appropriate resources or pharmacy guidelines.
A. Vital signs provide crucial information about the patient's overall condition, but they do not directly impact the administration of the IV medication ceftriaxone. However, if there are significant changes in vital signs (e.g., fever, hypotension), these could influence the decision to administer ceftriaxone or any medication.
C. Important, but not directly related to medication administration. The patient's level of consciousness is crucial for assessing their neurological status and response to treatment, but it does not affect the administration of ceftriaxone IV piggyback specifically.
D. Important, but not the highest priority in this context. Monitoring the amount of IV solution in the primary bag is essential to ensure continuous fluid delivery and prevent interruptions in therapy.
However, for the immediate preparation and administration of ceftriaxone IV piggyback, ensuring compatibility with the primary IV solution takes precedence.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Subcutaneous injections are generally administered at a 45° or 90° angle, depending on the amount of subcutaneous tissue present. In obese clients, there is typically more subcutaneous tissue, so inserting the needle at a 90° angle may be necessary to ensure proper medication absorption.
A. A smaller gauge needle (such as 25 or 26 gauge) is usually more appropriate for subcutaneous injections to minimize discomfort and tissue trauma, especially in obese clients where there is more subcutaneous tissue.
C. Massaging the injection site after administering heparin is not recommended. It can cause discomfort, bruising, and potentially alter the absorption rate of the medication. The injection site should be gently
pressed with a dry gauze pad after withdrawal of the needle to help disperse the medication and prevent leakage, but massaging should be avoided.
D. Aspiration is not necessary for subcutaneous injections. It is generally used for intramuscular injections to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel, which is less of a concern for subcutaneous injections. The injection technique involves pinching the skin and injecting the medication into the subcutaneous tissue without aspirating.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Administering the injection in the love handles, 2 inches from the umbilicus. It is important not to remove the air bubble from the prefilled syringe, as it is designed to ensure the entire dose of medication is administered.
A. Enoxaparin should not be transferred into another syringe unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer or pharmacy guidelines. Pre-filled syringes are designed to deliver the correct dose accurately and safely.
B. It is important not to remove the air bubble from the prefilled syringe, as it is designed to ensure the entire dose of medication is administered.
C. A 30-degree angle is too shallow for subcutaneous injections and may result in the medication being deposited too close to the skin surface, potentially causing irritation or affecting absorption.
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