An adult client is receiving a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of Lactated Ringer's solution at mL/hr through a peripheral catheter. The healthcare provider prescribes a stat dose of ceftriaxone gram IV piggyback to treat a diagnosed bacterial infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to safely administer the medication?
- AAttach the ceftriaxone secondary infusion tubing to the primary Y-site port closest to the client.
- BPause the Lactated Ringer's, infuse the ceftriaxone through the primary tubing, and immediately resume the continuous fluids.
- Establish a separate peripheral intravenous access site to administer the ceftriaxone.Answer
- DHold the ceftriaxone administration until the Lactated Ringer's infusion is complete and the line is discontinued.
Answer
The nurse should establish a separate peripheral intravenous access site to administer the ceftriaxone.
Ceftriaxone is uniquely incompatible with calcium-containing solutions, such as Lactated Ringer's. When mixed, they form a crystalline precipitate that can cause life-threatening emboli in the lungs and kidneys. Because the client needs both the continuous fluid therapy and the stat antibiotic, establishing a second, independent IV line is the safest action to ensure timely and safe administration.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Ceftriaxone and Calcium-Containing IV Fluids Incompatibility