A nurse is preparing to administer ampicillin 500 mg via intermittent IV bolus over 30 min. Available is 500 mg ampicillin in 50 mL dextrose 5% in water (DSW). The nurse should set the pump to deliver how many mL/hr?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Administering a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA), such as albuterol, is the priority intervention for the nurse to take, as it provides rapid bronchodilation and relieves bronchospasm, which are the main features of status asthmaticus. Status asthmaticus is a severe and life-threatening asthma attack that does not respond to usual treatment and requires immediate medical attention.

a) Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. The cause may be an allergen, infection, stress, or exercise, but it does not affect the immediate management of status asthmaticus. The nurse should focus on restoring airway patency and oxygenation first, and then identify and avoid triggers later.
b) Obtaining a peak flow reading is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. The peak flow reading measures the maximum expiratory flow rate and indicates the degree of airway obstruction. However, it may not be feasible or accurate in a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus, as they may be too dyspneic or agitated to perform the test. The nurse should rely on other signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezes, retractions, cyanosis, or pulse oximetry.
c) Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. Glucocorticoids, such as fluticasone or budesonide, reduce inflammation and mucus production in the airways, but they have a delayed onset of action and are not effective for acute asthma attacks. They are used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms.

Placing the client in a prone position improves oxygenation and ventilation by reducing lung compression, increasing lung expansion, and redistributing blood flow to better match ventilation.

a) Administering low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula is not sufficient for a client with ARDS, who requires
high levels of oxygenation and positive pressure ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse and hypoxemia.
b) Offering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently is beneficial for a client with ARDS, as it provides adequate nutrition and energy to support lung healing and prevent muscle wasting. However, it is not the priority intervention for improving respiratory function.
d) Encouraging oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day is contraindicated for a client with ARDS, who is at risk of fluid overload and pulmonary edema. Fluid intake should be restricted and diuretics should be administered as prescribed to reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.