2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
The physician orders the antibiotics ampicillin (Omnipen) and gentamicin (Garamycin) for a newly admitted client with an infection. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering ampicillin and gentamicin sequentially with proper flushing is essential to prevent potential drug interactions and ensure effective delivery. Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside, can be inactivated by certain beta-lactam antibiotics like ampicillin when mixed, making flushing between medications necessary.
Option A is incorrect as administering both simultaneously risks inactivation of gentamicin. Option C, while cautious, does not provide the nurse with a clear protocol for administration. Option D delays treatment unnecessarily, potentially compromising patient care when both antibiotics can be safely administered in sequence.