Final answer:
Before administering an anti-infective agent, it's essential to conduct sensitivity testing to identify which antibiotics are effective against the infection, ensuring the right treatment is provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the nurse administers a prescribed anti-infective agent to a patient, it is important to ensure completion of sensitivity testing. This test identifies which antibiotics are effective against the pathogens in question, thereby informing the medical team of the most appropriate treatment. Sensitivity testing is critical to avoid the administration of antibiotics that may be ineffective or could contribute to antibiotic resistance if the pathogens are not susceptible to them. As demonstrated by the Clinical Focus cases, before treatment initiation, identifying the correct antibiotic through tests like antibiograms is crucial to effectively manage infections and prevent complications. Critical thinking is also integral to the process of determining why certain treatments may fail and making subsequent decisions to achieve better outcomes in patient care.