Nursing Considerations General Antibiotics Flashcards
- Check allergy history
- Obtain culture if ordered before first dose if possible.
- Evaluate infection status:
WBC Count
Temperature
Source of infection symptoms
When starting antibiotic treatment
- Monitor for new allergy symptoms
- Review labs for WBC trends and C&S results
- Monitor temp – should be under 100° F within 3 days.
- Monitor for sepsis.
- New onset confusion
- Decreased BP
- Increased Resp Rate
- Fever & Tachycardia
During Treatment with Antibiotics
Assess for s/s of C. Diff or a yeast infection (mouth, vaginal)
Monitoring for Superinfection
When cultures are ordered, plan to collect the specimen _________ starting the antibiotic if possible.
before
Starting Treatment
___________ and investigate if the patient has a known allergy to an antibiotic that is in the ________.
Hold medication; same class
starting treatment
If ________ or __________ occur, stop the medication, and confirm emergency medications/ equipment are readily available. Consult provider.
allergy; anaphylactic symptoms
starting treatment
Explain the ______ of the antibiotic prescription as well as _________ to take the medication.
purpose; how and when
starting medication
Take the ________, even if _____________.
full prescription; symptoms improve
starting treatment
Stress the importance of ________ and taking it at the _______ each day.
not missing any doses; same time
starting treatment
1. s/s of allergy
2. infection worsening or not doing better within a set time period (about 3 days)
Symptoms to report
during treatment
Administration of antibiotics is highly _________ due to the need to maintain a therapeutic _________. Prioritize drug administration accordingly to avoid deviating from the _______.
time-dependent; blood level; scheduled time
during treatment
Nearly all antibiotics carry a risk of ____ & ______. It is often recommended to give oral antibiotics on an _______ to promote absorption but, if GI upset occurs, then ________.
nausea and diarrhea; empty stomach; give with food
during treatment
Consider eating yogurt or other foods with ________ or consult medical provider re: use of a probiotic supplement.
live cultures;
during treatment
Women of childbearing age should check on the need for a ____________. Some antibiotics can cause altered hormone levels.
non-hormonal form of contraception
during treatment
Report signs and symptoms of _________ immediately.
Superinfection
