A nurse is preparing to administer 12 L of lactated Ringer’s IV to infuse over 24 hr. Half of the fluid is to be administered in the first 8 hr. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr during the first 8 hr?
(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

To calculate the rate at which the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride over 24 hours, we can use the following steps:

Given:

Total IV fluid volume: 3 L

Infusion duration: 24 hours

Step 1: Convert the total IV fluid volume from liters (L) to milliliters (mL)

Total volume = 3 L × 1000 mL/L

Total volume = 3000 mL

Step 2: Calculate the rate of infusion per hour

Rate = Total volume / Infusion duration

Rate = 3000 mL / 24 hr

Rate ≈ 125 mL/hr

Rounding to the nearest whole number:

Rate ≈ 125 mL/hr

Therefore, the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver approximately 125 mL/hr for the infusion of dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride over 24 hours.

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because insulin is not commonly given to all hospitalized clients. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels in the body. It is only given to clients who have diabetes or other conditions that cause high blood sugar, such as pancreatitis, sepsis, or steroid therapy. The nurse should explain the indication and purpose of insulin to the client and not make false or misleading statements.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because the client did not likely develop diabetes prior to hospitalization, but are just now being diagnosed. Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can be diagnosed by measuring the blood sugar levels, the hemoglobin A1c levels, or the oral glucose tolerance test. The nurse should not assume or imply that the client has diabetes without proper testing and confirmation.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because the client did not develop type 1 diabetes and will not need insulin for the rest of their life. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a complete lack of insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence, and requires lifelong insulin therapy. The nurse should not diagnose or predict the client's condition without evidence or authority.

Choice D reason: This choice is correct because glucocorticoid steroid medications can cause temporary hyperglycemia. Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. They are used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic reactions. However, they can also increase the blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to produce more glucose and reducing the sensitivity of the cells to insulin. The nurse should inform the client that the insulin is needed to control the blood sugar levels while they are on steroid therapy, and that the insulin dose may be adjusted or discontinued when the steroids are tapered or stopped.