A nurse is preparing to administer ciprofloxacin 400 mg by intermittent IV infusion to a client over 60 min. Available is ciprofloxacin 400 mg in dextrose 5% in water (DSW) 200 mL. 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.)

Rationale:

• Stay with the client for the first 15 min of the transfusion: The first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion are critical for monitoring signs of a transfusion reaction, such as fever, chills, rash, or hypotension. Continuous observation allows the nurse to promptly intervene and prevent complications.

• Obtain the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: Retrieving the blood from the blood bank ensures that the correct product is available for transfusion and meets safety protocols. Verification of type and crossmatch is essential before administration.

• Document the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record: Accurate documentation of the transfusion, including product type, volume, time, and client response, is required for legal, medical, and safety purposes. It ensures continuity of care and provides a record for any adverse events.

• Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringers solution: Routine IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s is not indicated unless the client has persistent hypotension requiring fluid resuscitation. Blood transfusion itself is the primary intervention to correct anemia in this client.

• Titrate the rate of infusion to maintain the client's blood pressure at least 90/60 mm Hg: While monitoring blood pressure is important, adjusting the transfusion rate specifically to maintain a numeric BP is not standard practice. The transfusion rate should follow protocol, usually starting slow for the first 15 minutes and then adjusted per tolerance, not solely based on BP.

Rationale:

A. Administer the medication into the vastus lateralis muscle: The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants because it is well-developed and free of major nerves and blood vessels. This site allows for safe and effective absorption of the medication.

B. Administer the medication with a 20-gauge needle: A 20-gauge needle is too large for infants and can cause unnecessary tissue trauma. A smaller gauge, typically 22–25, is appropriate for IM injections in infants to minimize pain and tissue damage.

C. Administer the medication into the deltoid muscle: The deltoid muscle is underdeveloped in infants, making it unsuitable for IM injections due to limited muscle mass and risk of injury to underlying structures. It is generally used only in older children or adults.

D. Administer the medication over 2 min: IM injections are typically administered at a moderate pace, but a 2-minute administration is unnecessarily slow for infants. Proper technique involves steady, controlled injection without causing excessive discomfort.