A client receives a prescription for heparin 900 units/hr IV. The IV bag contains heparin 25,000 units in 500 mL of 0.45% normal saline.

How many mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver?

Choice A rationale

The patient’s history indicates that she had difficulty breathing during a hike. This event led her to the emergency department. Difficulty breathing during physical activity such as hiking can be a symptom of an asthma exacerbation.

Choice B rationale

While severe allergic reactions can cause difficulty breathing, the patient’s history does not indicate that she experienced an allergic reaction prior to her emergency department visit.

Choice C rationale

Panic attacks can cause symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath. However, the patient’s history does not indicate that she had a panic attack prior to her emergency department visit.

Choice D rationale

Fainting, or loss of consciousness, can be caused by various conditions, including dehydration, low blood sugar, and heart problems. However, the patient’s history does not indicate that she fainted prior to her emergency department visit.

Choice A rationale

While the frequency of a problem can provide some context, it is not the most important consideration when gathering evidence for evidence-based decision-making. The frequency of a problem does not necessarily correlate with the quality or relevance of the evidence available.

Choice B rationale

Personal values are important in decision-making processes, but they are subjective and can vary greatly among individuals. Therefore, they are not the most important consideration when gathering objective, scientific evidence for evidence-based practice.

Choice C rationale

Relevance to the situation is the most important consideration when gathering evidence. Evidence must be directly applicable to the specific problem and context in order to be useful in informing decision-making. This includes considering the specific characteristics of the patient population, the nature of the problem, and the setting in which care is being provided.

Choice D rationale

Past experience with similar problems can provide valuable insights and context, but it is not the most important consideration. Past experiences are individual and subjective, and what worked in one situation may not work in another. Evidence-based practice requires the use of current, high-quality research evidence, which may or may not align with past experiences.