Nursing care plan for antibiotics

Introduction

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections, including those in the respiratory tract, skin, and most other parts of the body. Nursing care plan for antibiotics involves evaluation and monitoring of the patient’s response to the treatment while providing support to the patient and family in managing their symptoms and side effects.

Assessment

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is used to see how much damage the antibiotics are causing to the blood cells and to assess if the patient's body is responding to the medication effectively.

Renal Function Tests (RFT): These tests measure the amount of creatinine in the blood, an indicator of kidney function. Abnormal levels of creatinine may indicate that the patient is having difficulty excreting and eliminating the antibiotics.

Liver Function Tests (LFT): These tests measure the amount of enzymes in the liver which indicate how the organ is being affected by the antibiotics.

Urinalysis: This tests for signs of infection in the urine, to check for bacteria or toxins which may be present due to the antibiotic use.

Nursing Diagnosis

Risk for Infection: The patient is at risk for developing an infection due to the use of antibiotics. Nurses must monitor the patient’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse and respiration rate, to ensure that the patient is not developing an infection.

Impaired Skin Integrity: Antibiotic use can damage the skin and make it more susceptible to breakage and infection. Nursing care must include assessment of the skin and protection from further damage.

Fluid Volume Deficit: Antibiotics increase the amount of fluids that the body needs. It is important for nurses to ensure that the patient is taking in enough fluids to maintain a healthy fluid balance.

Outcomes

The goal of this care plan is to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate treatment with the correct dosage of antibiotics, in order to prevent any unwanted side effects and ensure that the patient is responding well to the medication.

Interventions

Assessment: Observe for any signs and symptoms of infection and monitor the patient’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse and respiration rate.

Education: Provide information about the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics and the proper handling and disposal of unused antibiotics.

Medication Administration: Administer the prescribed dosage of antibiotics per the physician’s order.

Nutritional Support: Ensure that the patient is following the recommended diet and taking in adequate fluids.

Rationales

Assessment: It is important to assess the patient for any potential side effects or infection which may be caused by the antibiotics.

Education: It is important for patients to understand the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics prescribed and the proper disposal of unused medications to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Medication Administration: Medicines should be taken as prescribed to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Nutritional Support: A well-balanced diet may help the body to properly metabolize the antibiotics.

Evaluation

At the end of the nursing care plan for antibiotics, the patient should be monitored for any signs of infection or side effects, have an understanding of when to take the medication and the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, be taking the proper dosage of antibiotics, and be following the recommended dietary guidelines.

Conclusion

Antibiotic treatments are necessary to combat bacterial infections and nursing care plans help to ensure that the patient is able to respond safely and effectively to the treatment. By carefully assessing, educating, and monitoring the patient, nurses can provide the best possible care and keep unwanted side effects to a minimum.

FAQ's

• What are antibiotics?
  Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections, including those in the respiratory tract, skin and most other parts of the body.
• What is the goal of a nursing care plan for antibiotics?
  The goal of a nursing care plan for antibiotics is to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate treatment with the correct dosage of antibiotics, in order to prevent any unwanted side effects and ensure that the patient is responding well to the medication.
• What assessments need to be done?
  A complete blood count (CBC), renal function tests (RFT), liver function tests (LFT), and urinalysis are all assessments that need to be done when receiving antibiotics.
• What interventions should be taken?
  The patient should be assessed for any signs and symptoms of infection, be provided education about the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, receive the prescribed dosage of antibiotics, and ensure that the patient is following the recommended diet and taking in adequate fluids.
• What is the goal of evaluation?
  The goal of evaluation is to ensure that the patient is not developing an infection, is taking the prescribed dosage of antibiotics, is following the proper dietary guidelines, and understands the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics.