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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Leaving small air bubbles in the new infusion tubing is incorrect. Air bubbles should be primed out of the tubing before use to prevent air embolism.
B. Inserting the new device distal to the old IV site is incorrect. The new IV site should be placed proximal to the old site to avoid complications from previous catheter use and ensure proper circulation.
C. Wearing clean gloves during the new IV insertion is correct. Clean gloves are appropriate when inserting a new short peripheral IV device. Sterile gloves are generally required for more invasive procedures, but when changing the device itself, clean gloves are sufficient.
D. Shaving the hair on the client's skin before inserting the new IV is incorrect. Shaving the skin is not recommended because it can cause small nicks that increase the risk of infection. Clipping the hair, if necessary, is the preferred method.
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