Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyPharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed intravenous (IV) antibiotic intermittent infusion (piggyback) to a client who is currently receiving a continuous IV infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride. Which of the following is the priority nursing action before initiating the antibiotic infusion?

  1. Verify the compatibility of the antibiotic with the 0.9% sodium chloride solution using a medication reference guide.Answer
  2. B
    Calculate the infusion rate to administer the antibiotic rapidly over 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. C
    Attach the antibiotic to the primary tubing immediately, as 0.9% sodium chloride is compatible with all IV medications.
  4. D
    Delay the antibiotic administration until the client finishes eating their scheduled meal.

Answer

Verify the compatibility of the antibiotic with the 0.9% sodium chloride solution using a medication reference guide.
Before administering any medication through an existing continuous IV line, the nurse must verify that the new medication is compatible with the infusing fluid. Incompatibility can cause crystallization, precipitation, or deactivation of the medication, which poses a severe safety risk to the client, including the potential for an embolism.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary continuous IV fluid and the prescribed intermittent medication.
The client is receiving 0.9% sodium chloride and is prescribed an IV antibiotic.
Knowing both solutions is required to assess their interaction.
2
Recognize the risk of medication incompatibility when two fluids mix in the same IV line.
Determined that the two solutions will mix at the Y-site of the IV tubing.
Mixing incompatible fluids can lead to harmful precipitates or loss of drug efficacy.
3
Consult a reliable medication reference guide to check Y-site compatibility before hanging the antibiotic.
The safety of administering the antibiotic with the 0.9% sodium chloride is confirmed.
This is the mandatory safety standard to prevent medication errors and client harm.

Key Concept

Intravenous Medication Compatibility and Safety
Rate this question

Topics

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

More questions from this topic