The provider prescribes 200 mL DSW IV to be infused over 2 hours. The drop factor for the IV tubing is 60 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse deliver? Round to the whole number.

A random stool specimen is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to detect pathogens, occult blood, or fecal fat content. Proper collection technique prevents contamination from urine or external chemicals, ensuring the diagnostic validity of the laboratory analysis. The nurse must provide clear instructions on the use of personal protective equipment and the safe disposal of biohazardous materials to prevent nosocomial transmission.

Rationale:

A. The introduction of chemical agents like chlorhexidine into the collection container is contraindicated because it alters the specimen’s composition. Disinfectants can kill the very microorganisms the laboratory is attempting to culture, leading to false-negative results. The commode should be clean and dry, free from all detergents or antiseptic solutions.

B. Specimens should never be stored in a refrigerator that contains medication or food due to the risk of cross-contamination. Facility protocols require a dedicated, labeled biohazard refrigerator for the temporary storage of laboratory samples. Proper placement ensures that pharmaceutical integrity is maintained while following strict infection control guidelines.

C. Collecting specific components like pus with a sterile swab is an advanced technique typically reserved for culture and sensitivity testing. For a random stool specimen, the UAP should collect a representative sample of the stool itself rather than focusing on exudates. Advanced specimen retrieval often requires licensed nursing judgment to ensure proper sampling.

D. Used tongue blades are considered contaminated waste and must be handled to prevent the spread of enteric pathogens. Wrapping them in a paper towel before placing them in the biohazard receptacle reduces the risk of accidental contact for environmental services staff. This practice maintains a clean environment and adheres to standard precautions for fecal matter.

Mass casualty triage in inpatient settings prioritizes hospital bed utilization based on clinical stability, postoperative risk phase, and likelihood of rapid decompensation. Patients in stable postoperative recovery with low complication risk may be safely discharged earlier to preserve capacity for high-acuity trauma or critical care admissions.

Rationale:

A. A 36-hour post-open laminectomy patient is typically in early but stable postoperative recovery phase with controlled pain and no immediate high-risk complications if neurologically intact. If stable, discharge is appropriate to free critical beds during surge demand. This group often transitions to outpatient recovery with proper instruction.

B. A spontaneous pneumothorax within 24 hours remains in a high-risk monitoring phase due to potential recurrence, respiratory compromise, or chest tube management needs. Early discharge is unsafe as lung re-expansion and stability must be confirmed with imaging and sustained oxygenation.

C. Acute pancreatitis requires ongoing fluid resuscitation, pain control, and monitoring for systemic complications such as necrosis or sepsis. Discharge is inappropriate during active inflammatory phase due to risk of rapid deterioration and metabolic instability.

D. A client scheduled for ileostomy surgery within 24 hours requires preoperative preparation and is not clinically stable for discharge. This condition involves planned surgical intervention, bowel preparation, and perioperative monitoring, making discharge contraindicated.