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Difficulty: EasyPharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

A nurse is preparing to administer an intermittent intravenous (IV) antibiotic piggyback to a client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride. Which of the following nursing actions are required for safe administration? Select all that apply.

  1. Verify the compatibility of the antibiotic with 0.9% sodium chloride using a drug reference guide.Answer
  2. Assess the IV insertion site for signs of infiltration, such as coolness or edema, prior to administration.Answer
  3. Scrub the hub of the primary IV tubing's Y-site with an antiseptic swab before connecting the piggyback.Answer
  4. D
    Administer the antibiotic without checking compatibility because 0.9% sodium chloride is universally compatible with all medications.
  5. E
    Estimate the gravity drip rate visually rather than mathematically calculating the specific drops per minute.

Answer

The correct actions include verifying the compatibility of the antibiotic with the primary fluid, assessing the IV insertion site for complications, and scrubbing the Y-site hub with an antiseptic swab.
Safe intravenous administration requires a multi-step approach focused on preventing complications. Verifying compatibility prevents chemical reactions inside the tubing. Assessing the IV site confirms the catheter is correctly placed in the vein, preventing extravasation or infiltration. Finally, scrubbing the connection hub with an antiseptic is a critical infection control measure to prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infections.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the need for compatibility verification.
The nurse must verify compatibility, as no fluid is universally compatible with all medications.
This prevents precipitation and crystallization inside the IV tubing.
2
Evaluate the physical assessment requirements for the IV site.
The nurse must inspect the site for infiltration and phlebitis.
Administering medications into a compromised IV site can cause severe tissue damage.
3
Evaluate infection control practices.
The nurse must scrub the injection port (hub) prior to connection.
This maintains a sterile line and prevents bloodstream infections.
4
Evaluate the method for determining the infusion rate.
The nurse must mathematically calculate the drops per minute or use an electronic infusion pump.
Visual estimation is inaccurate and can lead to dangerous dosage errors or speed shock.

Key Concept

Safe Intravenous (IV) Medication Administration Principles
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Topics

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

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