A child who weighs 55 lb receives a prescription for cefotaxime 150 mg/kg/day IV in divided doses every 6 hours. How many mg should the nurse administer each day?

(Enter numerical value only.)

Potential condition: Opioid-induced constipation

Actions to take

Administer a stool softener: Opioids commonly cause constipation by slowing down bowel motility and increasing water absorption in the intestines. A stool softener can help by adding moisture to the stool, making it easier to pass.

Ask the client about their normal bowel routine: Understanding the client's typical bowel habits can provide insights into any deviations caused by the surgery or medication.

Parameters to monitor

Fluid intake: Monitoring the client's fluid intake is crucial as adequate hydration helps maintain bowel function and prevents constipation.

Serum potassium level: Constipation, especially if severe or prolonged, can lead to electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can have serious health implications.

A. Assessing temperature is important to monitor for any signs of infection or inflammation, which could exacerbate the asthma condition or indicate a concurrent illness.
B. Evaluating breath sounds helps determine the effectiveness of the albuterol treatment in relieving bronchospasm. Clearer breath sounds suggest improved air entry and reduced wheezing.
C. While CBC can provide valuable information, it is not typically immediately necessary after an albuterol treatment unless there are specific concerns about infection or other systemic issues.
D. Monitoring the heart rate is crucial as albuterol can cause tachycardia (elevated heart rate) as a side effect. It's important to ensure that the heart rate does not become excessively elevated, which may indicate a need to adjust treatment or monitor more closely.
E. Peak inspiratory flow is less commonly used in asthma management compared to peak expiratory flow. It's the maximum flow rate during inhalation and is not typically assessed routinely in the immediate post-treatment period.
F. Assessing serum sodium is not directly related to monitoring asthma exacerbation or response to bronchodilator therapy.
G. PEF measures the maximum speed at which a person can exhale air after a deep breath. It is a direct indicator of lung function and the severity of airway obstruction in asthma. Assessing PEF post-albuterol treatment helps gauge how well the airways have responded to the bronchodilator therapy.
H. Checking oxygen saturation ensures that the patient's oxygen levels have improved following the administration of albuterol. The goal is to maintain oxygen saturation above 94%, as per the treatment plan.