A nurse is preparing to administer ophthalmic solution to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is choiceb. Monitor the serum medication levels.

Choice A rationale:

Administering gentamicin with food is not necessary and does not minimize the risk of adverse effects. Gentamicin is typically given intravenously or intramuscularly, and food does not impact its administration or absorption.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the serum medication levels is crucial when administering gentamicin. Gentamicin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Regular monitoring helps ensure the drug remains within the safe and effective range, reducing the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

Choice C rationale:

Limiting the client’s fluid intake is not recommended. Adequate hydration is important to help prevent nephrotoxicity, a known adverse effect of gentamicin. Ensuring the client has sufficient fluid intake can help protect kidney function.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client to report agitation is not directly related to minimizing the risk of adverse effects of gentamicin. While it is important for clients to report any unusual symptoms, agitation is not a common adverse effect of gentamicin. Monitoring for signs of nephrotoxicity (e.g., decreased urine output) and ototoxicity (e.g., hearing loss, tinnitus) is more relevant.

The correct answer is choice a. Return the medication to the pharmacy.

Choice A rationale:

Returning the medication to the pharmacy is the correct action. Medications past their expiration date may not be safe or effective, and the pharmacy can provide a replacement.

Choice B rationale:

Notifying the provider is not necessary in this situation. The nurse should handle the expired medication according to protocol, which typically involves returning it to the pharmacy.

Choice C rationale:

Giving the medication is incorrect. Administering expired medication can be unsafe and ineffective.

Choice D rationale:

Discarding the medication is not the best option. The pharmacy should handle the disposal of expired medications to ensure proper procedures are followed.