A nurse is preparing to administer verapamil 0.1 mg/kg via intermittent IV bolus over 2 min.

Available is verapamil 2.5 mg/mL. The client weighs 165 Ib. How many mL should the nurse administer?

Choice A rationale: The respiratory rate is elevated from 22/min to 34/min, indicating worsening respiratory distress and increased work of breathing. Normal adult respiratory rates range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Tachypnea can signify hypoxia, infection progression, or impending respiratory failure, requiring immediate clinical reassessment and possible intervention to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Choice B rationale: The blood pressure has dropped from 116/78 mm Hg to 98/62 mm Hg, indicating hypotension. Normal adult BP is around 120/80 mm Hg. This decrease suggests possible sepsis or shock, decreasing organ perfusion. Hypotension combined with other signs of systemic infection warrants urgent evaluation and treatment to prevent multi-organ dysfunction.

Choice C rationale: No incontinence is reported, so this finding is not clinically significant in this scenario. Incontinence can indicate neurological compromise or severe systemic illness but is absent here, making it a non-urgent parameter for follow-up in this context.

Choice D rationale: The client’s temperature remains elevated above normal (39.3°C to 39.4°C). Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C. Persistent fever indicates ongoing infection but is less immediately life-threatening than respiratory or hemodynamic instability, thus not requiring immediate intervention compared to other parameters.

Choice E rationale: The heart rate has increased from 90 to 100 bpm, which is within mild tachycardia range but still within compensatory limits for fever and infection. Normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 bpm. Though elevated, it is less urgent than hypoxia or hypotension but requires monitoring.

Choice F rationale: The productive cough indicates pulmonary infection but is expected in pneumonia and not an immediate sign of deterioration needing urgent follow-up. The presence of cough aids diagnosis but does not directly indicate acute decompensation.

Choice G rationale: Oxygen saturation decreased from 94% to 86%, which is critically low (normal ≥ 95%). Hypoxemia suggests severe impairment in gas exchange and respiratory failure risk. Immediate oxygen supplementation and further respiratory support are required to prevent tissue hypoxia and organ damage.

Choice H rationale: Restlessness indicates hypoxia or anxiety but is a subjective symptom. While it signals distress, it is less precise than objective measures such as respiratory rate or oxygen saturation for urgent intervention.

Choice I rationale: Diminished lung sounds with crackles reflect pulmonary infection and consolidation but are physical examination findings not requiring immediate change in management compared to vital sign abnormalities indicating acute deterioration.

Choice J rationale: Large erythematous blotches suggest a possible allergic reaction to antibiotic therapy, posing a risk for anaphylaxis. This dermatologic change requires immediate assessment to prevent airway compromise or systemic hypersensitivity reactions, warranting urgent follow-up.

Choice A rationale

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medication used to treat osteoporosis. It is known to be highly irritating to the esophageal mucosa, and if it lodges in the esophagus, it can cause severe esophagitis, ulceration, or erosion. Assessing the client's ability to swallow ensures safe passage of the medication and minimizes the risk of esophageal injury, highlighting a critical safety measure.

Choice B rationale

Alendronate should not be administered before bed. For optimal absorption and to minimize the risk of esophageal irritation, alendronate must be taken in the morning upon waking, at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. Taking it before bed increases the likelihood of the pill lingering in the esophagus, leading to irritation and potential injury.

Choice C rationale

Alendronate should not be administered with orange juice. The absorption of alendronate is significantly impaired by food, beverages other than plain water, and certain minerals like calcium. Orange juice contains calcium and can decrease the bioavailability of the medication, thereby reducing its therapeutic effectiveness. It must be taken with plain water only.

Choice D rationale

Informing the client to remain supine after taking the medication is incorrect. To facilitate rapid transit to the stomach and minimize esophageal contact, clients must remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate, and until after their first food of the day. Lying down increases the risk of esophageal reflux and irritation.