A nurse is preparing to administer a 5 mg IV bolus of metoprolol to a patient for heart rate control.

The available metoprolol injection is 1 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A rationale

The patient has the right to withdraw their informed consent at any time, even after signing the consent form. This is a fundamental principle of patient autonomy and respect for the individual’s rights. The nurse should respect the patient’s decision and notify the surgeon that the patient wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure. This allows the healthcare team to reassess the situation, provide further information if necessary, and make appropriate adjustments to the care plan.

Choice B rationale

While informing the surgical team to cancel the surgery might be a subsequent step, it is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The first action should be to respect the patient’s autonomy and communicate their decision to the surgeon.

Choice C rationale

Proceeding with the preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure against their expressed wishes would be a violation of the patient’s rights. It is essential to respect the patient’s autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own healthcare.

Choice D rationale

Reminding the patient that a signed informed consent form is a legally binding document is incorrect. Informed consent is not a contract, and the patient has the right to withdraw consent at any time. The purpose of informed consent is to ensure that the patient understands the procedure, its risks and benefits, and alternatives, and makes an informed decision.

Choice A rationale

Establishing a patient relationship is important, but it’s not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse must first ensure safety for all involved.

Choice B rationale

Exploring the truth of the patient’s statements is a part of the therapeutic process, but it’s not the first step. The immediate concern should be to ensure safety.

Choice C rationale

Setting behavioral limits for the patient is the first action the nurse should take. This is crucial in managing a patient who has shown aggressive behavior. It helps to establish boundaries and expectations, which can prevent further aggressive incidents.

Choice D rationale

While it’s important to explain to the patient that the behavior was unacceptable, this is not the first action. The immediate priority is to ensure safety by setting behavioral limits.