Evolve HESI Practice Exam

A missed dose of levofloxacin IV is scheduled for 0900 but was administered at 1300. What should the nurse do?

1. Skip the dose and wait for the next scheduled dose

2. Administer the missed dose and adjust the schedule to 1300 daily

3. Contact the healthcare provider for new orders

4. Administer double the dose at 1300

The correct answer is: Administer the missed dose and adjust the schedule to 1300 daily

The most appropriate course of action in this scenario is to administer the missed dose of levofloxacin and adjust the schedule to 1300 daily going forward. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that, when missed, should typically be given as soon as possible unless the next dose is due soon. By administering the dose at 1300, the medication can still provide therapeutic effects without significantly altering the patient's regimen. Adjusting the schedule helps maintain a consistent dosing time, which is important for medications like antibiotics to ensure adequate levels in the body, aid in adherence to the treatment plan, and optimize patient outcomes. This approach allows the nurse to correct the missed dose while also ensuring that future doses remain manageable and not overly complicated or risky for the patient. The other options present various concerns: skipping the dose might leave a gap in treatment, potentially leading to decreased effectiveness or bacterial resistance; contacting the healthcare provider for new orders could delay necessary treatment; and administering double the dose poses a risk of toxicity or adverse effects, which is contraindicated for safe medication administration practices.