Two weeks ago, a client underwent repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Now she has several postoperative complications, including wound infection and failure to wean from the ventilator. While suctioning the client, the nurse notes that her sputum is copious, foul-smelling, and green-tinged and sends a specimen for culture and sensitivity testing. When the test results indicate a Pseudomonas aeruginosa, infection, Dr. Gutierrez prescribes gentamicin sulfate (Garamycin), 80 mg I.V. every 8 hours. Nurse Paul should infuse this drug over at least:
a. 5 minutes
b. 10 minutes
c. 20 minutes
d. 30 minutes
Answer D. The nurse should infuse gentamicin sulfate (Garamycin) I.V. over at least 30 minutes. Infusing the drug more rapidly may increase the client’s risk of adverse reactions.
a. 5 minutes
b. 10 minutes
c. 20 minutes
d. 30 minutes
Answer D. The nurse should infuse gentamicin sulfate (Garamycin) I.V. over at least 30 minutes. Infusing the drug more rapidly may increase the client’s risk of adverse reactions.
