A practical nurse (PN) is preparing to administer a scheduled hepatitis B vaccine intramuscularly to a 6-month-old infant. The infant's parent reports that the child started taking a prescribed oral antibiotic yesterday for a mild ear infection, although the infant currently has no fever. What is the most appropriate action by the PN?
- Scan the client's identification band, verify the infant's name and date of birth with the parent, and administer the vaccine.Answer
- BWithhold the vaccine and notify the healthcare provider, as current antibiotic therapy is a contraindication for immunizations.
- CRecalculate and administer a reduced dose of the vaccine to accommodate for the infant's concurrent antibiotic metabolism.
- DAdminister the vaccine immediately upon the parent's verbal confirmation of the infant's name, bypassing the barcode scan to prevent distress.
Answer
The practical nurse should proceed with standard medication rights, including scanning the identification band and verifying two identifiers, and administer the vaccine. Mild illness and antibiotic use are not contraindications.
The correct action demonstrates knowledge that mild acute illness (such as otitis media) and concurrent antibiotic therapy do not contraindicate the administration of standard childhood vaccines like the hepatitis B vaccine. Furthermore, it adheres to the universal standard of verifying at least two patient identifiers (e.g., ID band scan and parent's verbal confirmation) prior to any pharmacological intervention.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Medication Administration and Immunization Guidelines