The healthcare provider prescribes an IV solution of clindamycin 850 mg in 75 ml of D5W to infuse over 30 minutes.

The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. The nurse should regulate the IV to deliver how many gtt/minute? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

Choice A rationale:

Incorrect. The kidneys do play a role in acid-base balance, but they primarily eliminate acids other than carbon dioxide. They do not significantly convert carbon dioxide for elimination.

Elaboration: While the kidneys help regulate acid-base balance through reabsorption and excretion of bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, their role in carbon dioxide elimination is minimal. They primarily excrete acids like uric acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid.

Choice B rationale:

Incorrect. Hyperventilation would decrease carbon dioxide levels, not contribute to respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by elevated carbon dioxide levels.

Elaboration: Hyperventilation leads to rapid and excessive breathing, causing a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can result in respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis.

Choice C rationale:

Correct. Respiratory acidosis is caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can happen due to impaired ventilation, such as in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or respiratory failure.

Elaboration: Carbon dioxide is produced as a byproduct of cellular metabolism. It is normally removed from the body through exhalation. When ventilation is impaired, carbon dioxide cannot be efficiently eliminated, leading to its buildup in the blood. This excess carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, lowering blood pH and causing respiratory acidosis.

Choice D rationale:

Incorrect. Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) can stimulate the respiratory rate, but this would not directly cause respiratory acidosis. It might lead to hyperventilation, which could potentially cause respiratory alkalosis.

Elaboration: The body's respiratory center in the brainstem regulates breathing based on blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Hypoxemia triggers a compensatory increase in respiratory rate to enhance oxygen intake. However, this response does not directly contribute to respiratory acidosis.

Choice A rationale:

Sterile gloves are not necessary for routine oral care, even in the presence of oral Candida albicans.

Standard precautions, which include the use of gloves, are sufficient to protect the UAP from exposure to blood and body fluids.

Sterile gloves would only be indicated for invasive procedures, such as oral surgery or deep tissue sampling.

Choice B rationale:

Delegating oral care to the UAP is appropriate, as it is a routine task that does not require the specialized skills of a nurse.

The nurse should provide clear instructions to the UAP on how to perform oral care, but it is not necessary for the nurse to complete the task themselves.

Choice C rationale:

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is important for patients with oral Candida albicans, as it can help to remove plaque and debris without further irritating the delicate tissues of the mouth.

A soft-bristled toothbrush is less likely to cause bleeding or pain than a harder-bristled toothbrush.

Choice D rationale:

Mouthwash is not typically recommended for patients with oral Candida albicans, as it can actually dry out the mouth and worsen symptoms.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe a special antifungal mouthwash, but this should only be used under their supervision.