A patient has been prescribed 1 L of Lactated Ringer’s IV to be infused over a 12-hour period.

The IV administration set delivers 15 gtt/mL. What should be the infusion rate in gtt/min? (Provide a numerical value only.

If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

Based on the provided information, the following aspects of the assessment require urgent attention:

• The client’s request for sleeping medication: This indicates that she is having trouble sleeping, which can affect her recovery.
• The client’s distressing thoughts and memories about the house collapsing: This could be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which requires immediate attention and possibly referral to a mental health professional.
• The client’s statement about being in a “funk”: This could indicate depression or another mental health issue, which should be addressed promptly.
• The client’s preference for a quieter area of the unit: The noise by the nurses’ station is disturbing her rest, which is crucial for her recovery. Efforts should be made to accommodate her request if possible.

Choice A rationale

Using the inhaler only when the patient is really short of breath is not an incorrect use of the inhaler. However, it might indicate that the patient is not managing their COPD effectively, as rescue inhalers like albuterol are meant to be used for quick relief of acute symptoms.

Choice B rationale

Having a hard time inhaling and holding the breath after squeezing the inhaler might suggest that the patient is not using the inhaler correctly. However, the patient’s statement that they “do their best” suggests that they are aware of the correct technique and are trying to follow it.

Choice C rationale

Swallowing after squeezing the inhaler is a clear indication of incorrect use. The medication from the inhaler is meant to be inhaled into the lungs, not swallowed. Swallowing the medication would lead to less of it reaching the lungs, reducing its effectiveness. The wave of nausea the patient experiences could be a side effect of swallowing the medication.

Choice D rationale

Shaking the inhaler several times before starting is actually part of the correct technique for using many types of inhalers.