A nurse is preparing to administer cefazolin 750 mg intramuscularly every 8 hours.

The medication label reads cefazolin 1 gram per 2 mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer per dose?

Choice A rationale

Shifting weight to the heels when moving an object to the side is an incorrect application of body mechanics. Proper technique involves pivoting the entire body as a single unit rather than twisting the lumbar spine. Putting weight on the heels can lead to instability and loss of balance during the transition. The client should instead focus on a broad base of support and smooth weight shifts to avoid straining the lower back muscles.

Choice B rationale

Standing with the feet close together during a lift significantly narrows the base of support. This reduces the stability of the center of gravity and increases the risk of falling or causing a musculoskeletal injury to the back. For safe lifting, the feet should be shoulder-width apart to provide a stable foundation. This positioning allows the larger leg muscles, such as the gluteals and quadriceps, to bear the load rather than the vulnerable spinal discs.

Choice C rationale

Facing the direction of movement when sliding or moving an object is a fundamental principle of proper body mechanics. This alignment prevents rotational or twisting forces on the spine, which are primary causes of acute and chronic back injuries. By keeping the shoulders and hips square to the object, the client maintains the natural curvature of the spine. This finding indicates the client successfully understands how to protect the back while performing activities of daily living.

Choice D rationale

Moving the front foot backward when pushing an object is counterproductive to generating force and maintaining balance. To push effectively, a person should move the rear foot forward or lean into the object using their body weight. This stance ensures that the force is generated by the legs and transferred through the core. Reversing the foot movement compromises the stability of the posture and places unnecessary stress on the lower back and shoulder joints.

Choice A rationale

Mild pain that responds well to prescribed analgesics is a normal and expected finding in patients with partial-thickness burns. These burns involve the epidermis and varying depths of the dermis, leaving sensory nerve endings exposed and highly sensitive. If pain is manageable with standard care, it suggests that the inflammatory process is stable and not complicated by secondary issues. Effective pain control is a goal of care rather than a sign of clinical deterioration.

Choice B rationale

The presence of blisters, or bullae, is a defining characteristic of superficial partial-thickness burns. These occur as fluid collects between the epidermal and dermal layers due to increased capillary permeability after the thermal injury. While they require careful management to prevent rupture and infection, their presence is an expected clinical feature of this burn depth. Blisters alone do not signify that the wound is worsening; they are part of the initial injury presentation.

Choice C rationale

Increasing erythema and the presence of purulent drainage are classic signs of a localized bacterial infection, which indicates a worsening condition. In burn patients, the loss of the skin barrier makes the wound highly susceptible to pathogens. Purulent discharge consists of leukocytes, liquefied dead tissue, and cellular debris, signaling an active immune response to infection. If left untreated, this can progress to systemic sepsis, which is a leading cause of mortality in burn injuries.

Choice D rationale

A burn area that feels warm to the touch is often a result of the localized inflammatory response and increased blood flow to the injured site as the body begins the healing process. While excessive heat can sometimes be associated with infection, warmth is generally an expected finding in the early stages of a burn as the tissue remains hyperemic. By itself, warmth does not provide sufficient evidence of clinical worsening compared to the presence of purulent drainage.