A client receives a prescription for 500 mL of dextrose in 5% water intravenously (IV) to be infused over 3 hours. How many mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?

(Enter numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

Choice A reason:

Taking an initial respiratory rate is a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine can cause respiratory depression, which is a potentially life-threatening side effect. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation regularly and report any signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia to the physician. Therefore, choice A is correct.

Choice B reason:

Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram is not a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine does not have a significant effect on the cardiac rhythm or conduction. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and blood pressure regularly and report any signs of bradycardia, hypotension, or chest pain to the physician. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.

Choice C reason:

Suctioning the client to clear the airway is not a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine does not cause excessive secretions or bronchospasm that would obstruct the airway. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness and gag reflex regularly and report any signs of sedation, confusion, or aspiration to the physician. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.

Choice D reason:

Having a manual resuscitation bag at the bedside is a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine can cause respiratory depression that may require emergency intervention. The nurse should be prepared to administer oxygen and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) as ordered and perform rescue breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation if needed. Therefore, choice D is correct.

Choice E reason:

Asking the client about other medications she takes is a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine can interact with other drugs that may enhance or reduce its effects or cause adverse reactions. The nurse should review the client's medication history and current medications and report any potential drug interactions or contraindications to the physician. Therefore, choice E is correct.

Choice F reason:

Restraining the client with soft restraints is not a necessary action to ensure safety during morphine administration, as morphine does not cause agitation or delirium that would warrant physical restraint. The nurse should provide a safe and comfortable environment for the client and report any signs of anxiety, hallucinations, or psychosis to the physician. Therefore, choice F is incorrect.

Choice A reason: Apical pulse rate of 50 beats/minute requires nursing intervention prior to the administration of digoxin, which is a medication that slows down and strengthens the heartbeat. Digoxin can cause bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate below 60 beats/minute. Bradycardia can lead to inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body. The nurse should withhold the dose of digoxin and notify the prescriber if the apical pulse rate is below 60 beats/minute.

Choice B reason: Irregular apical pulse rhythm does not require nursing intervention prior to the administration of digoxin, which is a medication that treats arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms. Digoxin can correct or prevent some types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or flutter. The nurse should monitor the apical pulse rhythm and report any changes to the prescriber, but it is not a reason to withhold the dose of digoxin.

Choice C reason: Presence of a systolic heart murmur does not require nursing intervention prior to the administration of digoxin, which is a medication that improves the pumping function of the heart. A systolic heart murmur is a sound that occurs when the heart contracts and blood flows through a narrow or leaky valve. Digoxin can reduce the symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and edema, which may be associated with a systolic heart murmur. The nurse should document the presence and characteristics of the heart murmur, but it is not a reason to withhold the dose of digoxin.

Choice D reason: Apical pulse heard best at the pulmonic site does not require nursing intervention prior to the administration of digoxin, which is a medication that affects the electrical activity and contractility of the heart. The apical pulse is the heartbeat heard at the apex of the heart, which is located at the fifth intercostal space on the left midclavicular line. The pulmonic site is located at the second intercostal space on the left sternal border, where the sound of blood flow through the pulmonary valve can be heard. The nurse should listen to the apical pulse at the correct location, but it is not a reason to withhold the dose of digoxin.