The healthcare provider prescribes amoxicillin 1.5 grams PO daily, in equally divided doses to be administered every 8 hours. The medication is available in a bottle labeled, "Amoxicillin suspension 200 mg/5 mL."

How many mL should the nurse administer every 8 hours?

(Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

Rationale

A. This involves visually inspecting the chest to ensure both sides rise and fall equally during ventilation. Symmetrical chest movement suggests that both lungs are being adequately ventilated.

B. Auscultation involves listening with a stethoscope over the chest to confirm the presence of breath sounds in both lung fields. Bilateral breath sounds indicate that the ETT is correctly positioned in the trachea, allowing air to reach both lungs.

C. A chest x-ray provides a definitive confirmation of the ETT placement in relation to the trachea and lungs. It allows visualization of the tube's position relative to anatomical landmarks, such as the carina, which helps ensure proper placement.

This involves checking the markings on the ETT tube to ensure it is inserted to the correct depth. Typically, the ETT should be positioned with its tip approximately 2 to 4 cm above the carina, which corresponds to the 22-26 cm mark at the teeth line in adults. However, it does not confirm correct placement.

E. Capillary refill is a measure of peripheral perfusion and is unrelated to ETT placement. It assesses circulatory status by pressing on a nail bed and observing the time it takes for color to return. It does not provide information about ETT placement.

A. Perform pulmonary function test
This is important for assessing lung function, but it is not an immediate priority during an acute exacerbation when the patient's oxygen saturation is low and they are experiencing respiratory distress.
Pulmonary function testing can be done once the patient's acute symptoms are stabilized.
B. Measure vital signs
While vital signs are important for ongoing assessment, the patient's vital signs were already assessed at admission and are being monitored every 4 hours as per orders.
Administering oxygen and albuterol to stabilize the patient's condition takes precedence over routine vital sign checks immediately after the initial assessment.
C. Provide a regular diet tray
This is a routine aspect of care and does not address the acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia that require immediate attention.
It can be done once the patient's respiratory status has stabilized.
D. Give albuterol as ordered
The patient is experiencing an asthma exacerbation with wheezing and subcostal retractions. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow.
It was ordered for nebulization now and every 4 hours PRN (as needed) for wheezing.
Administering albuterol promptly is crucial to help alleviate respiratory distress and improve lung function.
E. Apply oxygen 1 L/minute
The patient's oxygen saturation is 91% on room air, which is below the target of greater than 94%. Oxygen therapy is indicated to correct hypoxemia and improve oxygen saturation.
The order specifies to titrate oxygen to keep saturation greater than 94%, starting at 1 L/minute via nasal cannula.