A nurse is preparing to administer a new prescription for ampicillin 1.5g IV every 6 hr to a client who has an upper respiratory infection. The client also has a prescription for a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse should plan to take the following actions:

A.Verify the prescription: Before administering any medication, the nurse must verify the prescription to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and that it matches the provider's order.

Regarding option B, administering the medication at 1000, 1400, 1800, and 2200 may not be appropriate. The prescription states that ampicillin should be administered every 6 hours. The nurse should administer the medication at equally spaced intervals throughout the day. If the medication is prescribed every 6 hours, the appropriate administration times would be 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400. However, the question does not provide sufficient information to determine the exact administration times, so option B cannot be definitively selected.

C. Assess the client for an allergy to penicillin: Since ampicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic, it is essential for the nurse to assess the client for any history of allergies to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics. A penicillin allergy could lead to a severe allergic reaction, so it is crucial to identify any potential allergies before administering the medication.

D. Document giving the medications: After administering the ampicillin, the nurse should document the administration in the client's medical record, including the time, dose, route, and any relevant observations or assessments.

E. Obtain a sputum for culture and sensitivity: The client's new prescription for ampicillin may be related to an infection. To ensure appropriate and effective treatment, obtaining a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity is necessary. This will help identify the specific bacteria causing the respiratory infection and determine which antibiotics will be most effective in treating it.

The nurse should include lightheadedness as an adverse effect in the teaching for a client who has a new prescription for atenolol. Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat various conditions, including hypertension and certain heart conditions. One of the common side effects of beta-blockers is orthostatic hypotension, which can cause lightheadedness or dizziness when the client stands up from a sitting or lying position.

Let's go through the other options:

B. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is not an adverse effect of atenolol. In fact, atenolol is used to treat tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate.

C. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is not a typical adverse effect of atenolol. Dry mouth is more commonly associated with anticholinergic medications rather than beta-blockers like atenolol.

D. Bronchodilation: Bronchodilation is not an adverse effect of atenolol. In contrast, atenolol can cause bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways) in some individuals, particularly those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).