Question

A client is admitted with cellulitis of the left leg and a temperature of 103° F (39.4° C). The primary healthcare provider prescribes intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Which action is the priority before administering the antibiotics?

1 Determine the client's allergies.
2 Apply a warm, moist dressing over the cellulitis.
3 Measure the amount of swelling in the client's left leg.
4 Obtain the results of the culture and sensitivity tests.

Answer 1

The priority action before administering IV antibiotics to a client with cellulitis and a high temperature is to determine the client's allergies. This is to prevent life-threatening reactions and ensure safe treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Priority Action Before Administering Antibiotics

When administering intravenous (IV) antibiotics to a client with cellulitis and a high fever, the priority action is to determine the client's allergies. This step is critical to ensure that the client does not receive an antibiotic to which they are allergic, which could lead to a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. While obtaining the results of culture and sensitivity tests, applying a warm, moist dressing, and measuring the amount of swelling are important aspects of care, they are not as immediately critical as confirming the patient's allergy status.

Allergies should always be confirmed before the administration of any medication, particularly antibiotics, as this directly impacts patient safety. Culture and sensitivity results, although important for tailoring antibiotic therapy, can be waited upon in cases where immediate antibiotic treatment is necessary due to the severity of the infection. Warm, moist dressing application and measuring swelling can be considered adjunctive treatments that support the primary treatment plan.