Question

a client is in the radiology department at 0900 when the prescription levofloxacin 500 mg iv every 24 hours is scheduled to be administered. the client returns to the unit at 1300. which is the best intervention for the nurse to implement?

a administer the levaquin at 1300 and resume the 0900 schedule in the morning.

b give the missed dose at 1300 and change the schedule to administer daily at 1300

c notify the charge nurse and complete an incident report to explain the missed dose.

d contact the healthcare provider and complete a medication variance form.

Explanation:

For once-daily medications, if a dose is missed by less than 12 hours, the standard practice is to give the missed dose as soon as possible and resume the original scheduled time the next day. Levofloxacin (Levaquin) is a once-daily antibiotic, and the 4-hour delay (from 0900 to 1300) is within the acceptable window. Changing the permanent schedule is unnecessary, and a variance/incident report is not required for this minor, resolvable delay without harm.

Answer:

A. Administer the Levaquin at 1300 and resume the 0900 schedule in the morning.