A nurse is preparing to administer Ringer's lactate by continuous IV infusion at 120 mL/hr. The drop factor of the manual IV tubing is 10 gtt/mL. The nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver how many gtt/min? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A: Encourage her to turn, cough, and deep breathe at frequent intervals. This intervention is appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time because it can help prevent respiratory complications such as atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue) or pneumonia after surgery. Turning, coughing, and deep breathing can help expand the lungs, clear the airways, and improve oxygenation.

Choice B: Ask the client how she feels about having her breast removed. This intervention is not appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time because it may be too intrusive or insensitive. Asking the client how she feels about having her breast removed may trigger emotional distress or anxiety in the client who has just undergone a major surgery that affects her body image and self-esteem. The nurse should wait until the client is more stable and ready to talk about her feelings and concerns.

Choice C: Attach a sign above her bed to have BP, IV lines, and lab work in her right arm. This intervention is not appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time because it is incorrect and potentially harmful. Attaching a sign above her bed to have BP, IV lines, and lab work in her right arm may cause injury or infection to the arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. The nurse should attach a sign above her bed to have BP, IV lines, and lab work in her left arm instead.

Choice D: Position her right arm below heart level. This intervention is not appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care at this time because it is incorrect and potentially harmful. Positioning her right arm below heart level may impair the blood circulation and lymphatic drainage of the arm that has undergone surgery and lymph node removal. The nurse should position her right arm above heart level instead.

Choice A: Do not apply heat to the area of irradiation. This instruction is correct and should be included in the teaching. Applying heat to the area of irradiation can increase inflammation, pain, or burning sensation on the skin. The client should avoid heat sources such as hot water, heating pads, or sun exposure in the area of irradiation.

Choice B: Use an antibiotic ointment to treat skin breakdown. This instruction is not correct and should not be included in the teaching. Using an antibiotic ointment to treat skin breakdown can cause allergic reactions, infection, or interference with radiation therapy. The client should consult with her provider before using any topical products in the area of irradiation.

Choice C: Lubricate the skin with hypoallergenic lotion. This instruction is not correct and should not be included in the teaching. Lubricating the skin with hypoallergenic lotion can cause irritation, infection, or interference with radiation therapy. The client should avoid applying any lotions, creams, or oils on the area of irradiation unless prescribed by her provider.

Choice D: Do not wash the area of irradiation. This instruction is not correct and should not be included in the teaching. Washing the area of irradiation can help prevent infection, remove dead skin cells, and reduce odor. The client should wash the area of irradiation gently with mild soap and water, pat it dry, and avoid rubbing or scrubbing.