The physician has ordered heparin 4500 units subcutaneous (SQ) daily.

The medication is supplied in heparin 10,000 units in 1 mL. How many milliliters will the nurse administer? (Shade SYRINGE #4 TO CORRECT DOSE: ROUND TO HUNDRETHS PLACE: LABEL CORRECTLY TO RECEIVE CREDIT)

Choice A rationale

Ankylosis refers to the stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones. This condition is typically caused by chronic inflammation or injury, leading to bone remodeling and eventual bridging of the joint space. It is a pathological process that restricts movement and is not a normal physiological adaptation during pregnancy.

Choice B rationale

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae. It can be congenital, neuromuscular, or idiopathic. This spinal deformity deviates from the normal sagittal plane alignment and is not a typical physiological compensatory mechanism for the gravid uterus.

Choice C rationale

Kyphosis is an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, resulting in a hunched back appearance. While some degree of thoracic kyphosis is normal, an exaggerated curve can be pathological. It does not represent the compensatory postural change seen in pregnant women, which primarily involves the lumbar region.

Choice D rationale

Lordosis is an increased inward curvature of the lumbar spine. During pregnancy, as the uterus enlarges anteriorly, the woman's center of gravity shifts forward. To maintain balance and prevent falling, the abdominal muscles stretch and the lumbar spine accentuates its inward curve, which is known as lordosis, a physiological adaptation.

Choice A rationale

A stat medication order signifies an immediate and urgent administration of the drug, typically within 30 minutes of the order. This is for critical situations where delay could significantly impact patient outcome, requiring prompt action rather than nurse's judgment for necessity.

Choice B rationale

A PRN (pro re nata) medication order means "as needed.”. This type of order grants the nurse professional discretion to administer the medication based on their assessment of the patient's condition and the specific criteria outlined in the order, such as pain level or fever.

Choice C rationale

A scheduled medication order involves administering the drug at regularly prescribed intervals, such as every 8 hours or once daily. The timing is predetermined, and the nurse's primary role is adherence to the schedule, with less independent judgment regarding administration necessity.

Choice D rationale

A single-dose order is for a medication to be given only once at a specific time. This is often used for preoperative medications or diagnostic procedures. Like scheduled orders, the timing is set, and the nurse's judgment about the necessity of administration is not the primary factor.