A client is to receive one liter of normal saline intravenously over six hours. The tubing delivers 15 drops per milliliter.
How many drops per minute should a nurse regulate the infusion to deliver?

The first observation the nurse should perform for a client who is receiving from the post anesthesia unit after a colon resection is to assess the patency of the airway and respiratory function.

This is because the airway is the most vital for the survival of the client and any compromise can lead to hypoxia and death.

The nurse should then take vital signs, check the wound dressing, and assess the foley catheter drainage.

Choice A is wrong because the client’s wound dressing is not as important as the airway and can be checked later.

Choice B is wrong because the client’s level of consciousness may be affected by the anesthesia and is not a priority over the airway.

Choice D is wrong because the client’s foley catheter drainage is not a critical observation and can be monitored later.

Normal ranges for respiratory rate are 12 to 20 breaths per minute for adults, oxygen saturation is 95% to 100%, and blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg for healthy individuals.

This is the priority nursing diagnosis for a client who has had vomiting and diarrhea for the past three days because it poses the greatest threat to the client’s health and well-

being. Fluid loss can lead to hypovolemia, hypotension, shock, electrolyte imbalance, and renal failure.

Choice A is wrong because fatigue is a subjective symptom that may or may not be related to fluid loss.

It is not a priority over fluid volume deficit.

Choice C is wrong because impaired skin integrity is a potential problem that may occur due to irritation from vomiting and diarrhea, but it is not a priority over fluid volume deficit.

Choice D is wrong because imbalanced nutrition is a potential problem that may occur due to vomiting, but it is not a priority over fluid volume deficit.