The healthcare provider prescribes diazepam 10 mg, IM, now.

DIAZEPAM, Injection, USP, For IV. or I.M. use, Rx only, Each mL contains 5 mg diazepam.

Calculate the number of milliliters (mL) for the correct administration dose using the label below = ____ mL

(Round to the nearest tenth (first decimal, 0.0) Enter only the number, no label) .

Choice A rationale:

A pulse rating of 2+ is not considered an expected finding. It indicates a weaker pulse, which requires further assessment.

Choice B rationale:

A pulse rated as 2+ means the pulse is full volume and bounding. In clinical practice, a 2+ pulse is considered normal and signifies a pulse that is easily palpable and has a normal strength. This is an essential finding for the nurse to understand because it reflects the circulatory status of the client. A 2+ pulse suggests adequate perfusion and a healthy heart pumping blood effectively.

Choice C rationale:

A pulse rating of increased and strong corresponds to a higher numeric value on the scale, indicating a stronger pulse. A 2+ pulse is not categorized as increased but is rather a moderate strength pulse.

Choice D rationale:

A pulse rating of 2+ does not suggest an absent pulse. An absent pulse would mean that no pulse can be felt, which is a critical situation requiring immediate medical attention.

Choice A rationale:

Standard precautions, as established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), are to be used for any client, regardless of whether an infection has been identified. This means that healthcare providers, including nurses, must apply standard precautions in the care of all patients to prevent the spread of infections. The rationale behind this choice is based on the fundamental principle of infection control: it is not always possible to identify patients who may be carrying harmful pathogens. Some patients may not show visible signs of infection or may be in the incubation period of a disease, during which they are contagious but not symptomatic. Therefore, applying standard precautions universally helps to create a safe healthcare environment for both patients and healthcare providers. Standard precautions include practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks, safe injection practices, and respiratory hygiene.

Choice B rationale:

This choice incorrectly specifies the mode of transmission for using standard precautions. Standard precautions are not limited to cases where the infection is transmitted on air currents. Airborne precautions are used for diseases that spread via small droplets in the air, such as tuberculosis and measles. Standard precautions, on the other hand, cover a broader range of infections and are applied to all patients.

Choice C rationale:

This choice incorrectly narrows down the usage of standard precautions to cases where the infection spreads via moist droplets. While it is true that standard precautions include measures to prevent the transmission of infections through respiratory droplets, they are not limited to this mode of transmission. Standard precautions encompass various modes of transmission, including contact with blood and other body fluids, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces or items.

Choice D rationale:

This choice wrongly states that standard precautions are only used when there is an infection spread by indirect contact with an organism. Standard precautions include both direct and indirect contact with patients and their environment. It is not limited to specific types of infections or modes of transmission.