- A 47-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of malaise, fever, and painful nodules on the pads of his fingers. He admits to being an active IV drug abuser,
while denying regular medical and dental care. Upon physical examination, the nurse notes a
soft systolic murmur and small painful nodules on the pads of his fingers. Based upon these
physical examination findings, the physician thinks that the patient may have infective
endocarditis and prescribes antibiotics.
a. What should the nurse ensure happens before the antibiotics are
given?​