A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride 10 mEq IV over 1 hr to a client. Available in potassium chloride 10 mEq in 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride. The nurse should set the infusion 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.).

Choice A rationale:
Notifying the surgeon of the temperature elevation is important, but it is not the nurse's priority. A temperature elevation after abdominal surgery could be a sign of infection, but the immediate action should be to assess the surgical incision for any signs of infection.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to drink more fluids is a good practice to maintain hydration and promote recovery after surgery. However, it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. The elevated temperature and potential infection take precedence over increasing fluid intake.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer because the nurse's priority is to assess the surgical incision for signs of infection. An elevated temperature is a significant finding after surgery, and it may indicate a surgical site infection, which requires prompt assessment and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is an essential nursing intervention after surgery, but it is not the priority when the client has an elevated temperature and a recent surgical incision.
The nurse must first assess for signs of infection before proceeding with routine vital sign monitoring.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should administer oxygen to the client experiencing a sickle cell crisis. Sickle cell crisis can cause vaso-occlusion, leading to tissue hypoxia and pain. Administering oxygen helps to improve tissue oxygenation and relieve symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Administering opioids is appropriate for managing the severe pain associated with a sickle cell crisis. Opioids are effective analgesics that can help alleviate the acute pain experienced by the client.

Choice C rationale:

Administering whole blood is not typically indicated for a sickle cell crisis. Whole blood transfusion is reserved for specific indications, such as severe anemia or acute blood loss, but it is not a standard treatment for sickle cell crisis pain.

Choice D rationale:

Elevating the head of the bed to 30° can improve oxygenation and reduce the workload on the respiratory system, which is beneficial for clients experiencing a sickle cell crisis. It helps to optimize lung expansion and alleviate hypoxia.

Choice E rationale:

Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is not necessary in a sickle cell crisis. There is no indication that the client cannot tolerate oral intake, so allowing them to eat and drink as usual is appropriate.