A client receives a prescription for 1 L of lactated Ringer's IV to be infused over 12 hours. The IV  administration set delivers 15 gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should the nurse regulate the infusion? 
(Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.) 

Rationale

A. Acute pain following laser trabeculoplasty could indicate increased intraocular pressure, inflammation, or other complications. Reporting the pain to the surgeon allows for prompt evaluation and intervention, which may include further assessment of intraocular pressure, examination of the surgical site, and consideration of additional treatment modalities such as pain management or anti- inflammatory medications.

B. Postoperative antibiotics are typically prescribed to prevent infection after surgery. However, acute pain alone may not indicate an infection, and starting antibiotics without assessing the cause of pain could delay appropriate management. Antibiotics are not indicated as the first-line response to acute pain in this context.

C. Eye shields are commonly used after eye surgery to protect the eye from light and potential trauma. While important for protecting the eye, applying eye shields addresses a different aspect of postoperative care (protecting the eye from external factors), rather than addressing the acute pain reported by the client.

D. Nausea and vomiting can sometimes occur postoperatively due to anesthesia or medications. However, administering an antiemetic is not the appropriate action in response to acute eye pain following laser trabeculoplasty. It does not address the underlying cause of the pain and is not part of the standard immediate management for this situation.

Rationale

A. An elevated neutrophil count suggests an active immune response to infection, supporting the clinical findings of purulent drainage. This information is crucial for the healthcare provider to assess the severity of the infection and guide treatment.

B. Hematocrit changes are more related to blood volume, fluid shifts, or bleeding rather than infection. While it may be monitored postoperatively, it does not provide specific information about infection.

C. Platelet count is important for assessing clotting function but does not directly indicate infection or purulent drainage.

D. Serum sodium levels are part of electrolyte balance and hydration status monitoring but do not directly relate to the presence of infection.