Final answer:
When preparing to administer iron dextran IV, a nurse should monitor the client for signs of an allergic reaction. This is the most crucial precaution for the safe administration of iron dextran given intravenously, to prevent possible severe reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is preparing to administer iron dextran IV to a client, it is imperative to take specific precautions due to the nature of the drug and its administration route. Iron dextran can be given intramuscularly or intravenously, but when it is given IV, monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction is crucial because of the risk associated with intravenous administration. Thus, the correct action the nurse should plan to take is to monitor the client for signs of an allergic reaction. Additionally, while checking blood pressure is a routine part of safe nursing practice, the specific context of administering iron dextran IV emphasizes the importance of watching for an allergic response.
Since the question mentions the medication is to be administered intravenously, option 2 (administer the medication orally) and option 4 (administer the medication intramuscularly) are incorrect. The question also does not provide a direct link to the need for checking blood pressure before administration. Therefore, option 1 is not relevant to the specific task of preparing iron dextran IV administration.
Iron dextran is used in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia and is preferable in cases where oral iron therapy is not effective or cannot be used. For IV administration, it is also important to ensure drugs are formulated in an isotonic solution to prevent hemolysis of red blood cells.