A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has cystic fibrosis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the client to take prior to initiating postural drainage?

Step 1: Convert the dopamine hydrochloride dose from mcg to mg. We know that 1 mg = 1000 mcg. So, 4 mcg = 0.004 mg.

Step 2: Calculate the total amount of dopamine hydrochloride the client needs per minute. We know that the client weighs 80 kg and the dose is 0.004 mg/kg/min. So, 0.004 mg/kg/min × 80 kg = 0.32 mg/min.

Step 3: Convert the total amount of dopamine hydrochloride the client needs per minute to an hourly rate. We know that 1 hour = 60 minutes. So, 0.32 mg/min × 60 min/hr = 19.2 mg/hr.

Step 4: Calculate the volume of the solution that contains 19.2 mg of dopamine hydrochloride. We know that the solution contains 800 mg in 250 mL. So, (19.2 mg ÷ 800 mg) × 250 mL = 6 mL.

Therefore, the nurse should set the IV infusion to deliver 6 mL/hr (rounded to the nearest whole number).

The correct answer is D. Use a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing.

Choice A reason: Storing a unit of blood at room temperature for 1 hour prior to the infusion is not recommended. Blood products should be kept refrigerated until just before the transfusion to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. The recommended storage temperature for packed RBCs is 1-6°C. If blood is left at room temperature, it should be infused within 30 minutes to ensure safety.

Choice B reason: Ensuring that the transfusion is completed within 6 hours is not correct. The standard practice is to complete a blood transfusion over 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume and the patient’s condition. This is to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and transfusion reactions. Prolonging the transfusion time beyond 4 hours increases the risk of bacterial contamination and can compromise the efficacy of the transfused red blood cells.

Choice C reason: Obtaining venous access using a 22-gauge needle is not ideal for a transfusion of packed RBCs. A larger bore needle, typically an 18-gauge or 20-gauge, is preferred to ensure adequate flow of the viscous packed RBCs and to prevent hemolysis. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the needle diameter, so a 22-gauge needle might be too small and could damage the red blood cells during the transfusion.

Choice D reason: Using a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing is the correct action. Normal saline is isotonic and is the only fluid compatible with packed RBCs. It is used to prime the transfusion set and to flush the line before and after the transfusion to prevent hemolysis and clotting within the tubing.