A client enters the emergency department with suspected exposure to anthrax. The physician confirms this suspicion and orders the client an antibiotic. Which medication would the nurse expect the physician to order?

To calculate the infusion rate in gtt/min, the nurse needs to use the formula:

Infusion rate (gtt/min) = Volume (mL) x Drop factor (gtt/mL) / Time (min)

Plugging in the given values, we get:

Infusion rate (gtt/min) = 400 mL x 60 gtt/mL / 480 min

Simplifying, we get:

Infusion rate (gtt/min) = 50 gtt/min

Therefore, the nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver 50 gtt/min.

A. Immunocompromised patients:

Immunocompromised patients, whose immune systems are weakened or impaired, are indeed more vulnerable to drug toxicity. This vulnerability can be due to factors such as decreased ability to metabolize and eliminate drugs, increased susceptibility to infections and opportunistic pathogens, and impaired organ function, particularly in the liver and kidneys, which are involved in drug metabolism and excretion.

B. Immunocompetent patients:

Immunocompetent patients have normal immune function and are generally less vulnerable to drug toxicity compared to immunocompromised individuals. However, susceptibility to drug toxicity can still vary depending on factors such as age, underlying health conditions, renal and hepatic function, and concurrent use of other medications.

C. Infants and elderly patients:

Infants and elderly patients are more vulnerable to drug toxicity due to factors such as immature or declining organ function, altered drug metabolism and elimination, and differences in body composition. In infants, organ systems are still developing, while in elderly patients, age-related changes can affect drug pharmacokinetics and increase the risk of adverse reactions.

D. Patients who have allergic reactions:

Patients who have allergic reactions may experience adverse drug reactions if they are exposed to the offending medication again. However, this does not necessarily make them more vulnerable to drug toxicity in general. Allergic reactions are specific immune responses and differ from drug toxicity, which can occur due to various mechanisms unrelated to allergies.