A child weighing 55 lb has been prescribed cefotaxime at a dosage of 150 mg/kg/day, to be administered in divided doses every 6 hours.

How many mg should the nurse administer each day? (Provide a numerical value only.)

Choice A rationale

While the client’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, it is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client’s change in mental status and potential medical emergency.

Choice B rationale

The nurse should be aware of the client’s currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client’s sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client’s altered mental status.

Choice C rationale

While the reason for the client’s admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client’s acute change in mental status.

Choice D rationale

Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client’s immediate needs.

Based on the provided information, the following aspects of the assessment require urgent attention:

• The client’s request for sleeping medication: This indicates that she is having trouble sleeping, which can affect her recovery.
• The client’s distressing thoughts and memories about the house collapsing: This could be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which requires immediate attention and possibly referral to a mental health professional.
• The client’s statement about being in a “funk”: This could indicate depression or another mental health issue, which should be addressed promptly.
• The client’s preference for a quieter area of the unit: The noise by the nurses’ station is disturbing her rest, which is crucial for her recovery. Efforts should be made to accommodate her request if possible.