A nurse is preparing to administer diazepam 2 mg twice daily via NG tube. Available is diazepam oral solution 5 mg/1 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer with each dose?

Choice A rationale:

While the abbreviation "MSO4" represents morphine sulfate, it is safer to spell out the medication name to prevent misinterpretation. Also, the use of "cc" for volume and lack of clarity in timing make this option less desirable.

Choice B rationale:

(Correct Choice) This option correctly identifies the medication, includes the dose (4 mg), specifies the route (IV), indicates the timing (daily at 0900 before dressing changes), and provides instructions for dilution (5 mL of sterile water).

Choice C rationale:

Using "Q.D." is an abbreviation for "every day" and might lead to confusion due to unfamiliarity. Additionally, using "cc" instead of "mL" and lack of clarity in timing reduce the accuracy of this transcription.

Choice D rationale:

Using "MSO4" and "cc" are potential sources of confusion. Also, the abbreviation "@9 AM" might not be universally understood, and "mL" is a more appropriate unit for volume.

Choice A rationale:

Exerting firm pressure when placing the probe (Choice A) is not recommended because it can potentially compress the blood vessels and impede blood flow. This can lead to inaccurate readings and compromise the assessment of the pedal pulses in a client with peripheral vascular disease.

Choice B rationale:

Applying the probe to the exterior aspect of the ankle (Choice B) is not the standard approach for assessing pedal pulses. The pedal pulses are typically assessed on the dorsal (top) and posterior (back) aspects of the foot, as well as the lateral (side) aspects of the ankle. Placing the probe on the exterior aspect of the ankle might not yield accurate results.

Choice C rationale:

Moving the probe until a whooshing sound is present (Choice C) is the correct action when using a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope to assess pedal pulses. The whooshing sound, known as "Doppler sound," indicates the presence of blood flow. The nurse should gently maneuver the probe until this sound is heard, allowing for an accurate assessment of the pulses and blood flow status.

Choice D rationale:

Holding the probe at a 30° angle to the blood vessel (Choice D) is not a standard practice for assessing pedal pulses with a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope. The nurse should place the probe directly over the pulse site and adjust its position until the Doppler sound is detected.