An IV infusion of 125 mL of a GI prokinetic agent is ordered to be given over 1 hour. The nurse will use a microdrip infusion set (60 gtts/mL). How many drops per minute will the drug infuse at the proper rate?

Use a preceding zero if necessary. Do not use trailing zeros.

To calculate the infusion rate in drops per minute:

1. Identify the total volume to be infused: 125 mL
2. Identify the total time for infusion: 1 hour (which is 60 minutes)
3. Identify the drop factor: 60 gtts/mL

Step 1: Calculate the infusion rate in mL per minute.

• Volume (mL) ÷ Time (minutes)
• 125 mL ÷ 60 minutes = 2.0833 mL per minute

Step 2: Calculate the infusion rate in drops per minute.

• Infusion rate (mL per minute) × Drop factor (gtts/mL)
• 2.0833 mL per minute × 60 gtts/mL = 125 gtts per minute

The drug will infuse at 125 drops per minute.

Choice A Reason:

Word salad.

Word salad refers to a jumble of words and phrases that lack logical coherence, often seen in severe cases of schizophrenia. The speech is typically incomprehensible and does not follow any recognizable pattern. In this case, the client’s response, while unusual, follows a pattern based on sound rather than meaning, which does not fit the definition of word salad.

Choice B Reason:

Loose association.

Loose association involves a series of thoughts that are only loosely connected to each other. This is a common symptom in schizophrenia, where the person’s thoughts may drift from one topic to another with little logical connection. However, the client’s response in this scenario is more structured and based on rhyming, which is characteristic of clang associations rather than loose associations.

Choice C Reason:

Clang association.

Clang association is a type of thought disorder where the person’s speech is governed by the sound of words rather than their meaning. This often results in rhyming or punning speech. The client’s response, “A match is a catch. A catch is a batch. The batch started to hatch,” is a clear example of clang association because the words are linked by their similar sounds rather than their meanings.

Choice D Reason:

Ideas of reference.

Ideas of reference involve the belief that ordinary events, objects, or behaviors of others have particular and unusual significance specifically for the person. This is often seen in paranoid schizophrenia. The client’s response does not indicate that they believe the words have special personal significance; instead, it shows a pattern of rhyming, which is more indicative of clang association.