Question

The nurse is preparing to administer two IV medications. What is the appropriate nursing action?

a) Administer the drugs through the same tubing.
b) Consult current drug reference book for IV compatibility.
c) Prepare to administer through two separate tubes.
d) Hold one medication for an hour and administer it after the first medication.

Answer 1

The correct nursing action when administering two IV medications is to consult current drug reference books for IV compatibility to ensure the safety and efficacy of the drugs being administered concurrently.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's appropriate action when preparing to administer two IV medications should be to consult current drug reference materials for compatibility. This is crucial because IV administration leads to peak plasma concentrations quickly, and incompatible drugs could cause adverse reactions or reduce therapeutic effectiveness.

Nurses are responsible for ensuring patient safety when administering medications, which includes checking compatibility. If the reference indicates that the drugs are compatible, they can be administered through the same tubing; otherwise, different tubes or a sequential administration might be necessary. It is also essential to understand the pharmaceutical characteristics of each drug, such as half-life, dose-dependency, and time-dependency, which may influence how and when they are administered.