Question

The nurse is administering an intravenous piggyback infusion of penicillin. Which of the following client statements would require the nurse's immediate attention?

A) "I have a burning sensation when I urinate."
B) "I have soreness and aching in my muscles."
C) "I am itching all over."
D) "I have cramping in my stomach."

Answer 1

The client statement that requires immediate attention is 'I am itching all over,' signaling a possible allergic reaction to the penicillin, which is a medical emergency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client statement that would require the nurse's immediate attention in the context of administering intravenous piggyback infusion of penicillin is: "I am itching all over." This statement could indicate an allergic reaction to the medication, which can be a medical emergency.

Immediate action is necessary because allergic reactions can escalate quickly and may lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. The nurse must stop the infusion, assess the patient's condition, and follow the facility's protocol for managing allergic reactions, which usually involves notifying a physician, monitoring vital signs, and possibly administering emergency medications like epinephrine. Other mentioned symptoms (burning sensation during urination, muscle aches, and stomach cramping) might also need to be addressed, but they are not typically immediate life-threatening reactions as itchiness could be in the context of a new medication administration.