Question

a nurse is administering cefotetan iv to a client to treat an intra - abdominal infection. the nurse notes that the iv insertion site is warm, edematous, and painful to the touch. which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• decrease the rate of the cefotetan infusion.
• administer diphenhydramine to the client.
• request a prescription for another antibiotic.
• stop the cefotetan infusion.

Explanation:

The IV insertion site being warm, edematous, and painful to the touch indicates phlebitis. When phlebitis occurs during an IV infusion, the nurse should stop the infusion immediately to prevent further complications. Decreasing the rate of infusion (option 1) won't address the phlebitis. Diphenhydramine (option 2) is for allergic reactions, not phlebitis. Requesting another antibiotic (option 3) is not the first - line action for phlebitis at the insertion site.

Answer:

Stop the cefotetan infusion.