RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 453 of 2368

A client with a wound infection has prescriptions for an antibiotic and a wound culture. When should the nurse collect the culture sample?

  1. After the first dose to confirm the drug is working
  2. Before the first dose of the antibiotic
  3. After the antibiotic reaches a therapeutic level
  4. After the client's fever has resolved
Show answer

Correct answer: Before the first dose of the antibiotic

Giving an antibiotic before the sample is obtained causes inaccurate culture results.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Antimicrobials: Basic Concepts Related to Antimicrobial Therapy. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026