Before administering amphotericin B to a patient, what is the most crucial step a nurse should take?

Choice A rationale
While continuous pulse oximetry can provide useful information about a patient’s oxygen saturation levels, it is not the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used to treat serious, potentially life-threatening fungal infections. It does not directly affect oxygen saturation levels.
Choice B rationale
The rate at which amphotericin B is administered can be important, as the medication must be given slowly through an IV infusion, which can take from 2 to 6 hours to complete. However, setting the IV pump to deliver the medication over a specific span of time is not the most crucial step before administration.
Choice C rationale
Continuous cardiac monitoring can be important in certain situations, but it is not the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. While amphotericin B can cause some side effects related to the heart, such as changes in heart rate or blood pressure, these are not typically the primary concerns before administration.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating the patient’s sodium and calcium levels is the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. Amphotericin B can cause changes in electrolyte levels, including sodium and calcium. Monitoring these levels can help prevent potential complications, making this the most crucial step before administration.

Choice A rationale
While collecting a urine sample can be important in diagnosing certain conditions, it is not the most important action to take prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring the patient is on a cardiac monitor is not the most crucial action prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s vital signs, it’s not specifically related to the administration of antibiotics.
Choice C rationale
Collecting a blood culture sample is the most important action to take prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. This is to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, which can help in selecting the most effective antibiotic.
Choice D rationale
Checking baseline vital signs, including temperature, is important but not the most crucial action prior to administering an antibiotic for pneumonia. It’s part of the overall assessment but does not directly impact the choice or effectiveness of the antibiotic.