Question

The nurse is preparing to administer an oral antibiotic to a client with unilateral weakness, ptosis, mouth drooping and, aspiration pneumonia. What is the priority nursing assessment that should be done before administering this medication

Answer 1

Before giving an oral antibiotic to a client with aspiration pneumonia and neurological symptoms, the nurse should assess the client's ability to swallow safely through a neurological exam of the oral cavity and pharynx and consider potential medication interactions or allergies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority nursing assessment before administering an oral antibiotic to a client with unilateral weakness, ptosis, mouth drooping, and aspiration pneumonia should be to evaluate the client's ability to swallow safely. This is essential to prevent further aspiration, which can worsen the patient's condition or lead to additional complications. A neurological exam of the oral cavity and pharynx should be conducted to test the functions of cranial nerves and inspect for signs of infection. Additionally, assessing for possible allergic reactions or medication interactions, especially if previous antibiotic treatment was ineffective, is important to ensure the choice of antibiotic is appropriate, and to consider if alternative medications or a different route of administration is needed.