While caring for a client with a deep vein thrombosis, the registered nurse prepares to administer a scheduled dose of intravenous levofloxacin. The client has a single peripheral venous catheter currently infusing continuous intravenous heparin. What is the priority action the nurse must perform before proceeding?
- Consult a medication reference resource to confirm that levofloxacin and heparin can be safely mixed in the same line.Answer
- BPause the continuous infusion, administer the antibiotic as a rapid bolus, and immediately resume the heparin.
- CAssign the unlicensed assistive personnel to monitor the insertion site for redness during the antibiotic administration.
- DCalculate the required drop factor to allow both fluids to infuse at the identical rate concurrently.
Answer
Consult a medication reference resource to confirm that levofloxacin and heparin can be safely mixed in the same line.
Before administering multiple intravenous medications through a single access site, the nurse must verify that the drugs are physically and chemically compatible. Failure to do so can result in crystallization, precipitation, or inactivation of the drugs, which can cause severe harm to the client, such as an embolus or loss of venous access.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Intravenous Medication Compatibility