You are a RN working in a busy Emergency Department (ED) caring for a patient with a stage 3 pressure injury of the right hip that is warm, and has purulent drainage. The ED physician orders an intermittent IV piggyback of the antibiotic Gentamycin to be started. What should you do prior to starting the infusion? Select the BEST answer.

A. While taking a multivitamin can provide additional nutrients, it is generally not a cause for concern unless the multivitamin contains high doses of certain minerals that might interact negatively with iron absorption. However, this is less pressing compared to the interaction between antacids and iron.
B. Antacids can significantly interfere with the absorption of oral iron supplements, leading to inadequate treatment of iron deficiency anemia. This is the most concerning finding because it may negate the effectiveness of the iron supplementation, making it harder for the patient to improve their iron levels.
C. Black stools are a common and expected side effect of iron supplementation due to the presence of unabsorbed iron in the gastrointestinal tract. While the nurse should monitor for this, it is not inherently concerning as it indicates that the iron is being ingested.
D. Constipation is a common side effect of iron supplements. Although it can be uncomfortable, it is not as critical as the potential interference caused by taking antacids. Management strategies can often alleviate this side effect.

A. While it’s important to provide reassurance, this option does not directly address the acute symptoms of respiratory distress and hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure is essential, but immediate action to treat the underlying issue is more critical.
B. This is the priority intervention in the case of suspected anaphylaxis. Epinephrine acts quickly to counteract severe allergic reactions, relieving bronchospasm, increasing heart rate, and raising blood pressure. Given the patient's wheezing and hypotension, administering epinephrine is crucial.
C. Administering oxygen can be beneficial, especially if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress. However, it does not address the potential anaphylactic reaction or the drop in blood pressure directly. It should be part of the management but not the priority.
D. Elevating the head of the bed can help improve breathing, especially if the patient is in respiratory distress. However, this action alone does not address the potential life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis.