Which nursing intervention is crucial for patients on anti-infectives?

Monitoring vital signs during IV infusion is crucial for patients on anti-infectives because it helps identify any adverse reactions or complications that may arise due to the medication. Anti-infectives, such as antibiotics, can sometimes cause allergic reactions, infusion-related side effects, or changes in hemodynamic status. By regularly checking vital signs, the nurse can detect changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, allowing for timely intervention if any concerning symptoms develop. This vigilance is important to ensure patient safety and to manage potential side effects proactively.

Other options, while sometimes applicable in different contexts, do not specifically relate to the immediate concerns and monitoring required during the administration of anti-infective medications. For example, encouraging high protein intake is generally beneficial for overall nutrition and healing but is not as immediate a concern during the actual infusion of anti-infectives. Similarly, reducing fluid intake to prevent edema may not be relevant for all patients and could be counterproductive, as adequate hydration often supports medication efficacy. Limiting physical activity might assist in recovery for some patients, but it is not directly linked to the administration or monitoring of anti-infectives. Thus, monitoring vital signs provides a focused approach to ensure patient safety during this critical intervention.