Prescribed: Amiodarone hydrochloride 5 mg/kg as IV push now

Available: Amiodarone hydrochloride 150 mg/3 mL

Patient weight: 80 kg

How many mL will the nurse administer for the prescribed dose? 8 Record your answer in whole number.

A. Elevated hematocrit: An elevated hematocrit reflects increased red blood cell concentration and may be associated with dehydration or polycythemia, but it is not a typical complication of oral anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulants increase bleeding risk rather than causing hemoconcentration.

B. Dizziness: Dizziness can have multiple etiologies, including orthostatic hypotension, anemia, or medication effects. While it may warrant evaluation, it is nonspecific and not necessarily an immediate sign of anticoagulant-related complications. It becomes more concerning if associated with signs of significant blood loss or hemodynamic instability.

C. Blood pressure 150/88: A blood pressure of 150/88 mmHg is elevated but does not constitute a hypertensive emergency. Although uncontrolled hypertension can increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications in anticoagulated patients, this value alone does not require immediate emergency reporting unless accompanied by neurological symptoms.

D. Bleeding profusely: Profuse bleeding is a critical complication of oral anticoagulant therapy, as these medications impair clot formation by inhibiting vitamin K–dependent clotting factors or thrombin activity. Uncontrolled bleeding can rapidly lead to hypovolemia, shock, or intracranial hemorrhage. Immediate medical attention is necessary to assess coagulation status and administer reversal agents if indicated.

A. Bradycardia and increased work of breathing: Bradycardia is not typically an early sign of ARDS; it may develop later due to hypoxia or cardiac compromise. Increased work of breathing can occur, but bradycardia is not a reliable early manifestation.

B. Cyanosis and apprehension: Cyanosis and anxiety may appear as ARDS progresses and hypoxemia worsens, but these are usually later signs after respiratory compromise has advanced. Early recognition relies on subtler, more common findings.

C. Dyspnea and tachypnea: Dyspnea (shortness of breath) and tachypnea (rapid breathing) are the most common early manifestations of ARDS. They reflect impaired gas exchange from alveolar-capillary membrane injury and pulmonary edema. Early recognition of these signs allows prompt intervention to prevent progression to severe hypoxemia.

D. Respiratory distress and frothy sputum: Frothy sputum is more characteristic of cardiogenic pulmonary edema rather than ARDS. While respiratory distress is present, frothy sputum is not a typical early finding in ARDS, which initially presents with subtle hypoxemia and increased respiratory effort.