Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX Related

Review Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX related questions and content

The physician orders the antibiotics ampicillin (Omnipen) and gentamicin (Garamycin) for a newly admitted client with an infection. The nurse should:

  • A. administer both medications simultaneously.
  • B. give the medications sequentially, and flush well between them.
  • C. ask the physician or pharmacy which medication to give first and how long to wait before giving the other drug.
  • D. start one medication now and begin the other medication in 2-4 hours.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A client with an infection needs both antibiotics as soon as possible. However, the pH of ampicillin is 8-10, and the pH of gentamicin is 3-5.5 (making them incompatible when given together). Flushing well between drugs is necessary.