A client receives a prescription for 1 liter of lactated Ringer’s intravenously (IV) to be infused over 8 hours.

The IV administration set delivers 15 gtt/mL. How many mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?

Choice A rationale
A CT scan of the chest can be performed to detect the severity of infection in pneumonia. However, it is not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed. It is usually recommended if the pneumonia isn’t clearing as quickly as expected.
Choice B rationale
Arterial blood gases (ABG) can be used to measure the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream. However, ABG is not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed for pneumonia.
Choice C rationale
A sputum culture test is often used to confirm the cause of infection in pneumonia. This test involves taking a sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) after a deep cough and analyzing it to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.
Choice D rationale
Blood cultures can identify the germ causing your pneumonia and also show whether a bacterial infection has spread to your blood. However, they are not typically the first diagnostic test prescribed for pneumonia.

Choice A rationale
Decreasing the flow rate of the irrigation solution is not the best action in this situation. The presence of blood clots in the tubing and collection bag indicates that the client may be experiencing clot retention, which can lead to urinary obstruction. Decreasing the flow rate may not provide sufficient force to dislodge clots from the catheter, which could exacerbate the problem.
Choice B rationale
Manually irrigating the catheter is the most appropriate action when blood clots are observed in the tubing and collection bag. Clots can obstruct the catheter and disrupt the continuous bladder irrigation, leading to urinary retention and increased discomfort for the client. Manual irrigation can help dislodge and remove these clots, ensuring the patency of the catheter and the effectiveness of the irrigation.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the infusion of the irrigation solution is not the best action in this situation. The purpose of continuous bladder irrigation after a transurethral resection of the prostate is to prevent clot formation and retention by continuously flushing the bladder. Discontinuing the infusion could lead to the formation of more clots, potentially causing urinary obstruction.
Choice D rationale
While monitoring catheter drainage is an important part of postoperative care, it is not the most appropriate action in this situation. The presence of blood clots in the tubing and collection bag indicates a potential problem that requires immediate intervention. Simply monitoring the situation without taking action to resolve it could lead to urinary obstruction and increased discomfort for the client.