A client who has come to the clinic is diagnosed with endometriosis. What would the nurse expect the primary care provider to prescribe as a first-line treatment?

- To find the amount of mL to administer per dose, we need to use a ratio and proportion method.

- We can set up a proportion as follows: 250 mg/2 mL = 100 mg/x mL

- To solve for x, we cross-multiply and get: 250x = 200

- Then we divide both sides by 250 and get: x = 200/250

- To simplify, we can reduce the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 50 and get: x = 4/5

- To convert the fraction to a decimal, we divide 4 by 5 and get: x = 0.8

- Therefore, the nurse should administer 0.8 mL of hydrocortisone per dose.

Choice A: Fluid balance is not the most likely priority because it is not directly affected by the mastectomy. Fluid balance is the state of equilibrium between the intake and output of fluids in the body. It can be influenced by various factors such as hydration, nutrition, medication, or illness. It can be monitored by measuring vital signs, weight, urine output, or laboratory values. Fluid balance is important for maintaining homeostasis and preventing dehydration or edema, but it is not a specific concern for a client undergoing a mastectomy.

Choice B: Body image is the most likely priority because it is directly affected by the mastectomy. Body image is the perception and attitude that one has toward one's own physical appearance and function. It can be influenced by various factors such as culture, media, self-esteem, or feedback from others. It can be assessed by observing verbal and nonverbal cues, asking open-ended questions, or using standardized tools. Body image is a major psychosocial issue for a client undergoing a mastectomy, as it can affect one's sense of identity, femininity, sexuality, or attractiveness. The nurse should address body image by providing information, support, and referral to appropriate resources.

Choice C: Urinary elimination is not the most likely priority because it is not directly affected by the mastectomy. Urinary elimination is the process of expelling urine from the bladder through the urethra. It can be influenced by various factors such as fluid intake, kidney function, medication, or infection. It can be assessed by measuring urine volume, color, odor, or specific gravity. Urinary elimination is important for maintaining fluid balance and preventing urinary tract infection or retention, but it is not a specific concern for a client undergoing a mastectomy.

Choice D: Activity is not the most likely priority because it is not directly affected by the mastectomy. Activity is the level of physical movement and exercise that one engages in on a daily basis. It can be influenced by various factors such as age, health status, motivation, or environment. It can be assessed by observing mobility, endurance, strength, or coordination. Activity is important for maintaining muscle tone, joint range of motion, circulation, or metabolism, but it is not a specific concern for a client undergoing a mastectomy.