A client needs 5 liters of oxygen. Which of the following devices is appropriate for use with an oxygen flow rate of 5 liters? Select all that apply:

Let’s calculate the IV infusion rate step by step.

Step 1: Determine the total volume to be infused.

The total volume ordered is 1,000 mL.

Step 2: Determine the total time for the infusion.

The total time is 8 hours.

Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate in mL per hour.

Total volume (1,000 mL) ÷ Total time (8 hours) = 125 mL per hour.

Result: 125

Step 4: Determine the drop factor.

The IV tubing delivers 15 drops per milliliter.

Step 5: Calculate the infusion rate in drops per minute.

Infusion rate (125 mL per hour) × Drop factor (15 drops per mL) = 1,875 drops per hour.

Result: 1,875

Step 6: Convert the infusion rate to drops per minute.

Total drops per hour (1,875 drops) ÷ 60 minutes = 31.25 drops per minute.

Result: 31.25

Step 7: Round the result to the nearest whole number if necessary.

31.25 rounded to the nearest whole number is 31.

The nurse should run the IV infusion at a rate of 31 drops per minute.

Choice A reason:

Hypertension is not typically associated with myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is characterized by severe hypothyroidism, which usually leads to low blood pressure (hypotension) rather than high blood pressure (hypertension). Therefore, hypertension is not a clinical manifestation that indicates progression to myxedema coma.

Choice B reason:

Restlessness is not a common symptom of myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma often present with lethargy, confusion, or even coma due to the severe slowing of metabolic processes. Restlessness is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism or other conditions that increase metabolic activity.

Choice C reason:

An increased level of alertness is contrary to the symptoms of myxedema coma. Myxedema coma typically presents with decreased mental status, including confusion, stupor, or coma. Therefore, an increased level of alertness would not be indicative of progression to myxedema coma.

Choice D reason:

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is not a typical symptom of myxedema coma. Instead, myxedema coma is associated with bradycardia (slow heart rate) due to the severe hypothyroid state. Tachycardia is more commonly seen in hyperthyroid conditions.

Choice E reason:

Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a key clinical manifestation of myxedema coma. The severe hypothyroid state leads to decreased cardiac output and vascular resistance, resulting in hypotension. This is a critical sign that the nurse should recognize as indicative of progression to myxedema coma.

Choice F reason:

Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is another hallmark of myxedema coma. The decreased metabolic rate in severe hypothyroidism leads to a reduced heart rate. Recognizing bradycardia is essential in identifying the progression to myxedema coma.

Choice G reason:

Hypoventilation (reduced breathing rate) is a significant symptom of myxedema coma. The severe hypothyroid state can lead to respiratory depression, resulting in hypoventilation. This can further exacerbate the patient’s condition and requires immediate medical attention.

Choice H reason:

Hyperventilation (increased breathing rate) is not associated with myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma typically experience hypoventilation due to the severe slowing of metabolic processes. Hyperventilation would be more indicative of conditions that increase metabolic activity or respiratory drive.