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 A
Explanation
A. Cleansing the injection site is important to reduce the risk of infection.
B. Sterile gloves are not typically required for administering subcutaneous injections unless there is a specific indication, such as when dealing with a client who has a compromised immune system or if there is potential for exposure to bodily fluids.
C. Pinching the skin can help in creating a fold where the needle can be inserted. However, there is no standard recommendation on which hand should be used.
D. Subcutaneous injections are typically administered at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle to the client's skin, depending on the amount of subcutaneous tissue present.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. It occurs when there is an abnormally high concentration of potassium in the bloodstream, typically above 5.0 mEq/L. Symptoms of hyperkalemia can include chest pain, palpitations, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
A. Hypercalcemia refers to elevated levels of calcium in the blood, not potassium.
C. Hypokalemia is the opposite condition where there is a lower-than-normal level of potassium in the blood.
D Hyponatremia refers to a low sodium level in the blood.
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