During a clinical rotation on an orthopedic unit, a nursing student is caring for a 67-year-old patient who has undergone a knee replacement. The patient is complaining of pain at the IV site. The nursing student assesses the site and finds that the site is cool, blanched and slightly swollen. The student stops the IV and reports the situation to the nurse. What does the nursing student suspect?

C. Hourly monitoring of the IV site may be necessary in situations where the patient's clinical condition requires close observation, such as when administering certain medications that can cause irritation or when rapid changes in fluid status are expected.

A. Checking the IV site every 5 hours may not be frequent enough, especially for patients who require close monitoring due to potential complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or dislodgement of the IV catheter.

B. Correct, but it depends on the shift length. In many clinical settings, nurses typically assess the IV site once per shift to ensure proper functioning and assess for any signs of complications. However, the length of the shift can vary, and in some cases, more frequent monitoring may be necessary, especially if the patient's condition requires it.

D. Checking the IV site only once a day is generally insufficient, as it does not provide timely assessment and intervention for potential IV complications that can occur more frequently.

B. This is the highest priority. Before administering ceftriaxone via IV piggyback, the nurse must ensure compatibility with the primary IV solution (D5W with KCl). Certain medications can interact chemically or physically with other IV solutions or medications, leading to precipitation, inactivation, or other adverse effects. Compatibility should be verified through appropriate resources or pharmacy guidelines.

A. Vital signs provide crucial information about the patient's overall condition, but they do not directly impact the administration of the IV medication ceftriaxone. However, if there are significant changes in vital signs (e.g., fever, hypotension), these could influence the decision to administer ceftriaxone or any medication.

C. Important, but not directly related to medication administration. The patient's level of consciousness is crucial for assessing their neurological status and response to treatment, but it does not affect the administration of ceftriaxone IV piggyback specifically.

D. Important, but not the highest priority in this context. Monitoring the amount of IV solution in the primary bag is essential to ensure continuous fluid delivery and prevent interruptions in therapy.

However, for the immediate preparation and administration of ceftriaxone IV piggyback, ensuring compatibility with the primary IV solution takes precedence.