A nurse is about to give a client amoxicillin but discovers that the client had a rash when taking penicillin in the past. What should the nurse’s next step be?

Choice A rationale
Infusing the medication slowly over a period of 60-90 minutes is a common practice for many intravenous medications to prevent adverse reactions. However, this is not the first step a nurse should take before administering intravenous acyclovir.
Choice B rationale
While diluting certain medications in a liter of normal saline can be a part of the preparation process, it is not the first step a nurse should take before administering intravenous acyclovir.
Choice C rationale
Checking the intravenous site for any signs of redness, heat, or swelling is the correct first step before administering any intravenous medication. This is to ensure that the IV site is not infected or inflamed, which could lead to complications such as phlebitis or infiltration.
Choice D rationale
Examining the patient for any open herpetic lesions is important when administering acyclovir, as the medication is used to treat herpes infections. However, this is not the first step a nurse should take before administering the medication.

Choice A rationale
Prednisone is a corticosteroid, and one of its effects can be fluid retention, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, lowered blood pressure is not typically associated with prednisone use.
Choice B rationale
Abdominal distention can be a side effect of prednisone. This can occur due to fluid retention or increased appetite, both of which can be effects of prednisone.
Choice C rationale
Prednisone can actually cause an increase in blood glucose levels, not a reduction. This is because prednisone can stimulate the liver to release extra glucose and can also make body tissues less sensitive to insulin.
Choice D rationale
Weight gain, not weight loss, is a common side effect of prednisone. This can occur due to increased appetite and fluid retention.