A nurse is caring for a patient who has impaired speech. What actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

While a patient’s medication history can impact wound healing, in this case, there is no specific information provided about the patient’s medications that would suggest a delay in wound healing.

Choice B rationale

Although the patient’s cholesterol level is elevated, hyperlipidemia is not typically associated with delayed wound healing.

Choice C rationale

Prealbumin is a marker of nutritional status. A low prealbumin level, like in this patient, could indicate malnutrition, which can delay wound healing. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing as it provides the necessary building blocks for tissue repair.

Choice D rationale

The patient’s fasting glucose level is within the normal range, so it is unlikely to impact wound healing. While poorly controlled diabetes can delay wound healing, this patient’s diabetes appears to be well-controlled.

Step 1 is to understand the question. The patient has been prescribed vancomycin 1 g in 250 mL dextrose 5% (D5W) to be administered over 2 hours via IV intermittent bolus. We need to calculate how many mL/hr the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver.

Step 2 is to calculate the rate. The total volume to be administered is 250 mL and the time for administration is 2 hours. So, the rate is 250 mL ÷ 2 hours = 125 mL/hr.