A client needs 5 liters of oxygen. Which of the following devices is appropriate for use with an oxygen flow rate of 5 liters? Select all that apply:

Choice A reason: An increase in temperature is not a primary indicator of hypovolemic shock. While fever can occur due to infection or inflammation, it is not directly related to hypovolemic shock, which is primarily characterized by a significant loss of blood or fluids leading to decreased perfusion and oxygenation of tissues.

Choice B reason: A decrease in urinary output is a critical sign of hypovolemic shock. When the body loses a significant amount of blood or fluids, the kidneys receive less blood flow, leading to reduced urine production. This is a compensatory mechanism to conserve fluids and maintain blood pressure. Normal urine output is typically around 30 to 50 mL per hour, so a drop below this range is concerning.

Choice C reason: An increase in heart rate is a common response to hypovolemic shock as the body attempts to maintain cardiac output and blood pressure despite the loss of blood volume. Tachycardia (increased heart rate) is one of the early signs of shock, indicating that the heart is working harder to pump blood to vital organs.

Choice D reason: A decrease in respiratory rate is not typical of hypovolemic shock. In fact, hypovolemic shock often leads to an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) as the body tries to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. A decrease in respiratory rate could indicate other issues but is not a hallmark of hypovolemic shock.

Let’s calculate the IV infusion rate step by step.

Step 1: Determine the total volume to be infused.

The total volume ordered is 1,000 mL.

Step 2: Determine the total time for the infusion.

The total time is 8 hours.

Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate in mL per hour.

Total volume (1,000 mL) ÷ Total time (8 hours) = 125 mL per hour.

Result: 125

Step 4: Determine the drop factor.

The IV tubing delivers 15 drops per milliliter.

Step 5: Calculate the infusion rate in drops per minute.

Infusion rate (125 mL per hour) × Drop factor (15 drops per mL) = 1,875 drops per hour.

Result: 1,875

Step 6: Convert the infusion rate to drops per minute.

Total drops per hour (1,875 drops) ÷ 60 minutes = 31.25 drops per minute.

Result: 31.25

Step 7: Round the result to the nearest whole number if necessary.

31.25 rounded to the nearest whole number is 31.

The nurse should run the IV infusion at a rate of 31 drops per minute.