A nurse is preparing to administer heparin 250 units/kg subcutaneously to a client who weighs 150 lb. The heparin is available in a prefilled syringe containing 10,000 units/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

Choice A rationale

Administering IV fluids as prescribed can be essential for maintaining fluid balance, but it does not directly address abnormal vital signs unless they are linked to hypovolemia. The nurse should prioritize identifying the cause of the abnormalities first, and then proceed with interventions aimed at stabilization and correction.

Choice B rationale

Placing the client in a supine position can exacerbate certain conditions, such as respiratory distress or hypoxia. While position changes may be needed in specific cases, this is not a primary action for addressing abnormal vital signs unless positional changes are directly implicated.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring for signs of infection is an important ongoing care strategy, especially when abnormal findings suggest potential sepsis. However, it alone does not resolve immediate concerns with abnormal vital signs and must be paired with communication and treatment strategies.

Choice D rationale

Promptly notifying the provider about abnormal findings ensures that the client's condition is evaluated comprehensively. Providers can order additional assessments or interventions to address potential underlying issues, thereby preventing clinical deterioration.

Choice A rationale

Honey has similar sugar content as white sugar and contributes to rapid gastric emptying, leading to dumping syndrome in postoperative bariatric surgery clients. Dumping syndrome results from a rapid influx of hyperosmolar contents into the intestines, causing osmotic fluid shifts and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Choice B rationale

Sucralfate is a medication used to treat ulcers and does not influence gastric emptying rates or reduce the risk of dumping syndrome. It does not mitigate the physiological process leading to dumping syndrome.

Choice C rationale

Lying down after meals slows gastric emptying and reduces the rapid movement of food into the small intestine. This decreases the risk of dumping syndrome by mitigating osmotic fluid shifts and symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Choice D rationale

Drinking liquids with meals accelerates gastric emptying by diluting stomach contents, increasing the risk of dumping syndrome. The rapid transit of liquids and food promotes hyperosmolarity in the intestines and associated symptoms.