A client with a urinary tract infection has hematuria and is receiving cefoperazone IV. Which action should the nurse implement?

A client with a urinary tract infection has hematuria and is receiving cefoperazone IV. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Hold the scheduled dose and consult with the healthcare provider.
• B. Monitor the client's PT/IN before administering the dose.
• C. Administer the prescribed dose of medication as scheduled.
• D. Assess the client's blood pressure before and after the dose.

Answer: (D)

Assessing blood pressure around IV antibiotic administration is essential because some IV cephalosporins can provoke infusion reactions that affect hemodynamic stability. Getting a baseline BP before giving cefoperazone and monitoring it after the dose helps the nurse detect any hypotension or other acute changes early, allowing prompt intervention such as adjusting the infusion rate, pausing the infusion, or notifying the provider. This patient safety step is more informative than simply administering the dose on a schedule or focusing on labs like PT/INR, which are not routinely needed for cefoperazone. If a drop in blood pressure occurs, the appropriate action is to respond per protocol and ensure patient stability.

Assessing blood pressure around IV antibiotic administration is essential because some IV cephalosporins can provoke infusion reactions that affect hemodynamic stability. Getting a baseline BP before giving cefoperazone and monitoring it after the dose helps the nurse detect any hypotension or other acute changes early, allowing prompt intervention such as adjusting the infusion rate, pausing the infusion, or notifying the provider. This patient safety step is more informative than simply administering the dose on a schedule or focusing on labs like PT/INR, which are not routinely needed for cefoperazone. If a drop in blood pressure occurs, the appropriate action is to respond per protocol and ensure patient stability.