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. Dextrose 10% in water is a solution that contains a high concentration of glucose (dextrose). Infusing D10W can lead to an increase in blood glucose levels, especially if the client's body cannot metabolize the glucose effectively (e.g., in diabetic patients or those with impaired glucose tolerance).
A. Dextrose 10% in water does not contain calcium. Hypercalcemia refers to elevated calcium levels in the blood, which can occur due to various causes such as hyperparathyroidism or excessive vitamin D intake, but not from D10W infusion.
C. Dextrose 10% in water is not used to treat hypovolemia (low blood volume). It is a solution primarily used to provide calories and prevent ketosis rather than to expand circulating blood volume.
D. Dextrose 10% in water does not contain potassium. Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can occur due to various reasons such as diuretic use, gastrointestinal losses, or inadequate intake, but it is not directly related to D10W infusion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Hourly monitoring of the IV site may be necessary in situations where the patient's clinical condition requires close observation, such as when administering certain medications that can cause irritation or when rapid changes in fluid status are expected.
A. Checking the IV site every 5 hours may not be frequent enough, especially for patients who require close monitoring due to potential complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or dislodgement of the IV catheter.
B. Correct, but it depends on the shift length. In many clinical settings, nurses typically assess the IV site once per shift to ensure proper functioning and assess for any signs of complications. However, the length of the shift can vary, and in some cases, more frequent monitoring may be necessary, especially if the patient's condition requires it.
D. Checking the IV site only once a day is generally insufficient, as it does not provide timely assessment and intervention for potential IV complications that can occur more frequently.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.