A prescription for ciprofloxacin 250 mg SC bid for rhinosinusitis prompts the nurse to question which component of the order?

• A. Dose
• B. Route
• C. Frequency
• D. Drug name

Answer: (B)

The main issue here is choosing the correct route of administration. Subcutaneous administration is not a standard or well-supported route for ciprofloxacin when treating rhinosinusitis. Ciprofloxacin is normally given orally or by IV, with predictable absorption and established dosing for sinus infections. Using a subcutaneous route would yield unpredictable absorption, potential for tissue irritation, and lack of dosing data for this indication, which could compromise efficacy and safety.

So the nurse would question the route because it doesn’t align with how ciprofloxacin is ordinarily delivered for this condition. The dose and the drug name aren’t inherently inappropriate in this context, but the route is the component that raises concern and needs clarification.