What precaution should the nurse take when administering methotrexate for an ectopic pregnancy?

When administering methotrexate for an ectopic pregnancy, the correct precaution involves wearing two pairs of gloves when handling the medication. Methotrexate is classified as a hazardous drug, and its handling requires additional precautions to ensure safety for both the patient and the healthcare provider. By using two pairs of gloves, the nurse minimizes the risk of drug exposure in case of leaks or breaks in the outer glove layer. This is crucial as methotrexate can be toxic, causing potential harm if it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

Further protective measures, such as using face masks or ensuring a sharps container is readily available, are not specifically required for the administration of methotrexate itself. While these practices are important in certain contexts of medication administration and disposal, they do not address the direct contact and exposure risks associated with handling this specific hazardous medication.