Final answer:
A nurse should carefully administer the correct dosage of oral levofloxacin considering the patient's individual factors and monitor for side effects alerting the physician if adverse reactions occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
When administering an oral dose of levofloxacin (Levaquin), a nurse should take a content-loaded approach. This includes verifying the correct dosage for the patient, considering the patient's age, mass, and any liver or kidney dysfunctions which may affect the drug's metabolism and clearance from the body.
It is important to make sure that the medication is given at prescribed times to maintain therapeutic drug levels and to monitor the patient for potential side effects, such as allergic reactions or toxicity which can occur despite careful dosing. If serious side effects are reported as in the case study with David exhibiting symptoms like headaches, a stiff neck and a rash, the nurse should notify the prescribing physician immediately as these could suggest an adverse reaction to the drug or a misdiagnosis of the initial infection.