which action step with the nurse take when administering an intravenous (iv) antibiotic to a patient
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Verify the patient’s identity, check the medication order, assess for allergies, inspect the IV site, and administer the antibiotic at the prescribed rate.
Explanation (300 words):
When administering an intravenous (IV) antibiotic, the nurse must follow a series of safety-focused and procedural steps to ensure effective and safe delivery of the medication. The process begins with verifying the patient’s identity using two identifiers, typically the patient’s full name and date of birth, in accordance with hospital policy and The Joint Commission safety standards.
Next, the nurse must review the physician’s medication order for accuracy, checking the drug name, dose, route, time, and duration. The “five rights” of medication administration—right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time—must be confirmed to prevent medication errors.
Assessing the patient for any known allergies, especially to antibiotics like penicillin, cephalosporins, or sulfa drugs, is critical to avoid life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. The nurse should also inspect the IV site for patency and signs of complications like phlebitis, infiltration, or infection. A well-functioning IV access is necessary to deliver the medication properly without tissue damage.
Before administering the antibiotic, the nurse should check the medication label against the MAR (Medication Administration Record) and confirm compatibility with other IV fluids or drugs the patient may be receiving. If the antibiotic needs to be diluted or reconstituted, it should be done using sterile technique.
The nurse then administers the antibiotic at the prescribed rate, using an infusion pump if necessary. Administering it too rapidly can cause side effects such as nausea, vein irritation, or hypersensitivity reactions.
Finally, the nurse must monitor the patient for any adverse reactions during and after administration and document the procedure thoroughly, including time given, dose, site condition, and patient response. These steps collectively ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy.