A nurse is preparing to administer ticarcillin/clavulanate 3.1 g by intermittent IV bolus over 30 min. Available is ticarcillin/clavulanate 3.1 g in 50 ml 0.9% sodium chloride (NSS). The nurse should set the IV pump to 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.) _mL/hr

A) Temperature and respiratory rate:
While monitoring temperature and respiratory rate are important aspects of a comprehensive assessment, they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker primarily used to lower heart rate and blood pressure, so assessing the client's heart rate and blood pressure is more relevant.

B) Heart rate and blood pressure:
This is the correct answer. Before administering metoprolol, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate and blood pressure. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication that primarily affects heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring these vital signs helps ensure that the medication is administered safely and effectively.

C) Level of consciousness and pain level:
Assessing the client's level of consciousness and pain level are important aspects of nursing care, but they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. These assessments may be relevant depending on the client's overall condition and specific care needs, but they are not directly related to the action or side effects of metoprolol.

D) Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate:
Monitoring oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are important aspects of respiratory assessment, but they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. While metoprolol can affect respiratory function as a potential side effect, its primary action is on heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, assessing heart rate and blood pressure are more pertinent before administering this medication.

A) Postoperative patients:
Antitussives may be used postoperatively to alleviate coughing, but they are not necessarily best used in this population. Postoperative patients may have different needs based on their surgical procedure and overall health status.

B) Asthma patients:
Antitussives are generally not recommended for asthma patients because they can suppress the cough reflex, which may be important for clearing mucus and irritants from the airways. Asthma patients often have productive coughs associated with bronchial inflammation and excess mucus production.

C) Patients with a dry, irritating cough:
Antitussives are most effective for patients with a dry, irritating cough, as they help suppress the cough reflex and provide relief from coughing without producing sputum.

D) COPD patients who tire easily:
While antitussives may provide symptomatic relief for some COPD patients with a dry, nonproductive cough, they are not necessarily best used in this population. COPD patients may have varied responses to antitussive therapy, and treatment decisions should be individualized based on their overall condition and symptoms."