A nurse is caring for a child who has recurrent otitis media. The child weighs 14.9 kg (33 lb). A prescription is written for amoxicillin 40 mg/kg PO to be given in two divided doses per day. The pharmacy provides the nurse with amoxicillin 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL of the medication should the nurse plan to administer for each dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. Cover the administration area with plastic wrap. After applying nitroglycerin ointment, the area should be covered with plastic wrap or a transparent dressing to prevent evaporation and ensure proper absorption through the skin. This also helps prevent the medication from accidentally transferring to another person or clothing.

B. Massage the ointment into the skin. Nitroglycerin ointment should not be massaged into the skin, as this can cause rapid absorption and lead to hypotension and dizziness due to vasodilation. Instead, it should be applied as a thin, even layer and covered with a dressing.

C. Spread the ointment in a 10 cm² (4 in²) area. The correct application method involves measuring the exact prescribed amount (e.g., using the applicator paper) and applying it in a thin layer. The area of application may vary based on the dosage, but the focus should be on accurate measurement, not a specific area size.

D. Apply the ointment in a thick layer. A thick application is unnecessary and could increase absorption too quickly, leading to side effects such as headache, dizziness, and hypotension. Instead, a measured dose should be spread thinly and evenly onto clean, dry skin.

A. The nurse monitors the client for over sedation. Monitoring for over sedation is an essential nursing responsibility when caring for a client using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. Opioid medications used in PCAs can cause respiratory depression, drowsiness, and decreased level of consciousness, so frequent assessments are necessary to ensure client safety.

B. The nurse reassures the client that the PCA device will not cause an overdose. PCA devices are programmed to deliver a controlled dose of medication at set intervals, reducing the risk of overdose. Educating the client about this built-in safety feature helps alleviate anxiety and encourages appropriate pain management. However, the nurse should also instruct the client to report symptoms of over sedation or inadequate pain relief.

C. The nurse asks the client to demonstrate dose delivery. Encouraging the client to demonstrate how to use the PCA device ensures they understand how to properly self-administer medication. This reinforces client education, promotes effective pain management, and minimizes unnecessary delays in pain relief due to improper use.

D. The nurse administers a PCA dose for the client. Only the client should press the PCA button to self-administer medication. This prevents accidental overdose or over sedation that could occur if the client is too sedated to recognize their own need for pain relief. If the client is unable to use the PCA properly, alternative pain management strategies should be considered, rather than allowing a nurse or family member to press the button.