The health care provider writes the following admitting orders for a patient with suspected IE who has fever and chills: ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 1.0 g intravenous piggyback (IVPB) q12hr, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for temperature above 102° F (38.9° C), and blood cultures * 2, complete blood cell count (CBC), and electrocardiogram (ECG). When admitting the patient, the nurse gives the highest priority to

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Treatment of the IE with antibiotics should be started as quickly as possible, but it is essential to obtain blood cultures before initiating antibiotic therapy to obtain accurate sensitivity results. The ECG and ASA should also be accomplished rapidly, but the blood cultures (and then administration of the antibiotic) have highest priority.

The Health Care Provider Writes the Following Admitting Orders for a Patient