A patient is scheduled to receive intravenous acyclovir.
What should the nurse do first before administering the scheduled dose?
Infuse the medication slowly, over a period of 60-90 minutes.
Dilute the acyclovir in 1 liter of normal saline.
Check the intravenous site for any signs of redness, heat, or swelling.
Examine the patient for any open herpetic lesions.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While taking the antibiotic with food can help reduce gastric irritation for some antibiotics, this is not the most important information for the patient prescribed doxycycline.
Choice B rationale
Antacids should not be taken one hour before taking doxycycline. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of doxycycline, making it less effective.
Choice C rationale
Consuming the medication with yogurt is not necessary to prevent superinfection. While yogurt is often recommended to restore normal flora during antibiotic treatment, it is not the most crucial information for a patient taking doxycycline.
Choice D rationale
Taking the medication with a full glass of water is the most important information for a patient prescribed doxycycline. This is to ensure that the medication reaches the stomach and does not cause irritation or ulcers in the esophagus.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ibuprofen does not have a significant interaction with erythromycin18.
Choice B rationale
Diphenhydramine does not have a significant interaction with erythromycin18.
Choice C rationale
Loratadine should be avoided while on erythromycin. Erythromycin can increase the concentration of loratadine, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects, including heart rhythm abnormalities18.
Choice D rationale
Acetaminophen does not have a significant interaction with erythromycin18. Nystatin Nystatin Explore
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