A nurse is preparing to administer ceftriaxone 1g via intermittent IV bolus over 60 min. Available is 1 g ceftriaxone sodium in 250 mL dextrose 5% in water. The nurse should set the pump can deliver how many mL/hr? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. Auscultate the client’s apical pulse for a full minute:
While auscultating the apical pulse is important for certain cardiovascular conditions, it is not the primary action needed before administering sublingual nitroglycerin. The nurse's main priority is to assess the patient's blood pressure, as nitroglycerin can cause significant hypotension (a drop in blood pressure), and it is important to ensure the patient’s blood pressure is adequate before administration. If the blood pressure is too low, nitroglycerin should not be given.

B. Advise the client that vomiting is a primary side effect:
Vomiting is not a primary or common side effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is more likely to cause headaches, dizziness, flushing, and hypotension. While it’s helpful to inform the patient about possible side effects, advising them that vomiting is a primary side effect could cause unnecessary concern or confusion.

C. Check the client’s blood pressure:
This is the correct action. Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. Before administering sublingual nitroglycerin, it is essential to check the client's blood pressure. If the client is hypotensive or has low blood pressure, nitroglycerin should be withheld, as it could further decrease blood pressure and worsen the patient’s condition. This is the priority nursing action to ensure the patient’s safety.

D. Obtain a STAT chest X-ray:
Obtaining a chest X-ray is not a priority action for a client with unstable angina before administering nitroglycerin. Chest X-rays are more useful for diagnosing conditions like pneumonia, pneumothorax, or other structural issues of the chest, but they are not immediately needed in the management of unstable angina. The most immediate concern is assessing the patient’s blood pressure before administering nitroglycerin.

Moderate sedation (also called conscious sedation) involves the administration of medications (e.g., midazolam, fentanyl, or propofol) to reduce anxiety, pain, and awareness during procedures, while allowing the patient to:

• Remain awake but relaxed
• Respond to verbal commands
• Maintain their own airway without the need for intubation

It is commonly used for minor surgical procedures, endoscopies, and dental procedures.