A nurse is attending to a patient who is receiving a unit of packed RBCs. The patient’s vital signs at 0800 and 0815 are given.

Heart rate of 110 bpm

Complete the following sentence using the list of options.

The patient exhibits symptoms of ________

Step 1 is: Calculate the total units of heparin in the bag, which is 25,000 units.

Step 2 is: Divide the total units by the total volume to find the units per mL, which is (25,000 units ÷ 250 mL) = 100 units/mL.

Step 3 is: Divide the desired units per hour by the units per mL to find the mL/hr, which is (800 units/hr ÷ 100 units/mL) = 8 mL/hr. So, the infusion pump rate should be set at 8 mL/hr.

Choice A rationale

Placing a pillow under the patient’s knees can actually increase the risk of plantar flexion contractures by keeping the foot in a flexed position.

Choice B rationale

Positioning a trochanter roll under each of the patient’s hips would not directly prevent plantar flexion contractures. Trochanter rolls are typically used to maintain alignment and prevent external rotation of the hip.

Choice C rationale

Advising the patient to wear rubber-soled slippers would not directly prevent plantar flexion contractures. While rubber-soled slippers can provide safety benefits such as preventing slips and falls, they do not have a direct impact on the prevention of contractures.

Choice D rationale

Applying an ankle-foot orthotic device to the patient’s feet can help maintain the foot in a neutral position, thereby reducing the risk of developing plantar flexion contractures.