A client in DKA is ordered regular insulin at 5 units per hour for the current blood glucose level. The institution protocol is to add 125 units of regular insulin to a 250 mL bag of normal saline. What is the correct rate for the nurse to set the IV pump for this dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A reason:

Initiating droplet precautions is not sufficient for a client presenting with symptoms such as coughing up blood, productive cough, and night sweats. These symptoms are indicative of possible tuberculosis (TB), which is an airborne disease. Droplet precautions are used for infections spread through large respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis, but not for TB.

Choice B reason:

Considering standard precautions to be sufficient is incorrect. Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control that should be used in the care of all patients to prevent the spread of infections. However, for a client with symptoms suggestive of TB, additional airborne precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.

Choice C reason:

Transferring the client to a positive pressure room is inappropriate. Positive pressure rooms are designed to keep contaminants out and are used for protecting immunocompromised patients from infections. For a client with suspected TB, a negative pressure room is required to prevent the spread of infectious particles to other areas.

Choice D reason:

Initiating airborne precautions is the correct intervention. Airborne precautions are necessary for diseases that are transmitted through smaller respiratory droplets that can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled by others. Tuberculosis is one such disease, and initiating airborne precautions helps to prevent the spread of the infection to healthcare workers and other patients.

Choice A reason: Asking if the client would like to see a member of the clergy to receive a blessing can be supportive, but it may not directly address the client’s immediate emotional needs. While spiritual support is important, the nurse should first focus on the client’s expressed concerns about their wife.

Choice B reason: Inquiring if the client has children who can help their wife is practical, but it may not address the client’s emotional distress. The nurse should prioritize providing emotional support and facilitating communication between the client and their family.

Choice C reason: Asking if the client has a living will is important for end-of-life planning, but it does not directly address the client’s emotional concerns. This question is more appropriate for a discussion about advance directives rather than an immediate response to the client’s expressed worries

Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to discuss their feelings with their wife is the most appropriate response. It addresses the client’s emotional needs and promotes open communication between the client and their spouse. This can help alleviate some of the client’s anxiety and ensure that their wife is aware of their feelings and concerns.