The nurse is preparing to begin a medication regimen for a patient who will receive intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin. Which is an important nursing action?
a. Administer each antibiotic to infuse over 15 to 20 minutes.
b. Order serum peak and trough levels of ampicillin.
c. Prepare the schedule so that the drugs are given at the same time.
d. Set up separate tubing sets for each drug labeled with the drug name and date.
ANS: D
Intravenous aminoglycosides can be given with penicillins and cephalosporins but should not be mixed in the same container. The IV line should be flushed between antibiotics, or separate tubing sets may be set up. Gentamicin must be infused over 30 to 60 minutes. It is not necessary to measure ampicillin peak and trough levels. Giving the drugs at the same time increases the risk of mixing them together.
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A nurse is discussing lithium levels with another nurse. As they review the laboratory findings, they discover a lithium level of 0.6 mEq/L. Which statement made by one of the nurses best demonstrates an understanding of lithium levels?
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The parent of a child with diabetes mellitus asks the nurse when urine testing will be necessary. The nurse should explain that urine testing is necessary for which?
a. Glucose is needed before administration of insulin. b. Glucose is needed four times a day. c. Glycosylated hemoglobin is required. d. Ketonuria is suspected.
Select the option that best illustrates a situation in which the person has accountability
1. The nurse made a medication error. 2. The nurse has more time for other activities. 3. The nurse manager assigns a team leader a new nurse in orientation. 4. The nurse practitioner prescribes medication to a patient prior to discharge.
Of the doses on hand, you would choose ________ to administer the ordered dose. Ordered: Lanoxin 0.25 mg po daily
A. Lanoxin injection 0.25 mg/mL B. Lanoxin tablets 0.125 mg C. Lanoxin tablets 0.25 mg D. Lanoxin pediatric elixir 0.05 mg/mL