The healthcare provider prescribes enoxaparin sodium 80 mg SUBQ twice daily. The nurse is preparing a preloaded 1 mL syringe labeled, "enox“parin sodium injection, USP 60 mg/0.6 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

A) Taking the medication one hour after meals and other medications may help prevent interference with the absorption of nutrients or other medications. However, it is not a specific instruction related to the administration of bulk-forming laxatives.

B) Remaining upright for thirty minutes following drug administration is a common instruction for medications that may cause esophageal irritation or reflux. However, it is not typically necessary for bulk-forming laxatives, which work primarily in the colon rather than the esophagus or stomach.

C) Following medication administration with an additional glass of water is the correct instruction for self-administration of bulk-forming laxatives. These laxatives absorb water in the intestines, which helps to soften the stool and promote bowel movements. Adequate hydration is essential to prevent the bulk-forming laxative from causing intestinal obstruction.

D) Avoiding the intake of dairy products while using the medication is not a specific instruction related to the administration of bulk-forming laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives are generally well-tolerated and do not interact with dairy products. However, increasing fluid intake, particularly water, is essential to prevent constipation and ensure the effectiveness of the medication.

A) A total calcium level of 5.5 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L) is critically low, as the normal reference range for total calcium is between 9 to 10.4 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L). Hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications such as tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures. Before administering methylprednisolone, which can further decrease calcium levels and contribute to osteoporosis, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider to address the client's low calcium level. This may involve correcting the calcium deficiency before proceeding with the administration of the

B) If a healthcare provider orders a calcium supplement for the client, administering it would be appropriate to help correct the hypocalcemia before administering methylprednisolone. However, in the absence of a direct order, the nurse should first notify the healthcare provider to ensure that the client's calcium levels are addressed appropriately before proceeding with any medication that could exacerbate the issue. The priority is to manage the low calcium levels before administering corticosteroids like methylprednisolone.

C) Administering methylprednisolone with a glass of milk may help with calcium absorption; however, this does not directly address the critical issue of hypocalcemia. The nurse must first prioritize notifying the healthcare provider and correcting the calcium imbalance before proceeding with medication administration.

D) Tapering the dose of methylprednisolone is not immediately appropriate based on the low calcium level alone. Methylprednisolone is often tapered to avoid withdrawal symptoms, but the nurse's first priority is to address the client's hypocalcemia, which can have more immediate clinical consequences. The focus should be on stabilizing the calcium level first.