A nurse is preparing to administer vancomycin 500 mg via intermittent IV infusion every 6 hr. Available is vancomycin 500 mg in 0.9% sodium chloride 100 mL to infuse over 2 hr. The nurse should set the IV 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.).

When handling an unused portion of an oral opioid analgesic after administration, the nurse should take the following action:

D) Return the unused portion to the locked narcotics storage location.

Returning the unused portion to the locked narcotics storage location is a crucial step to ensure proper control and documentation of controlled substances like opioids. It helps prevent diversion and ensures the security and accountability of these medications.

Options A, B, and C are not appropriate:

A) Sending the unused portion to the pharmacy is not typically the responsibility of the nurse, and it may not be a practical or safe option for controlled substances.

B) Having a second nurse verify disposal of the unused portion is not a standard practice for oral medication administration.

C) Keeping the unused portion in the client's medication drawer is not an appropriate method of handling unused controlled substances, as it lacks the necessary security and accountability measures.

Choice A rationale:

A client who needs assistance when ambulating is an important consideration for care, but it does not necessarily require a priority referral. The nurse can assess the client's mobility and coordinate assistance within the rehabilitation unit as needed.

Choice B rationale:

A client who consistently has difficulty using utensils while eating is a concern for occupational therapy or speech therapy, but it is not an immediate priority. The client's difficulty with eating utensils can be addressed through therapeutic interventions within the rehabilitation setting.

Choice C rationale:

A client who has expressive aphasia requires a priority referral because this indicates potential communication difficulties that could hinder the client's ability to express needs, understand instructions, and participate in therapy. Expressive aphasia can impact the client's overall rehabilitation progress and safety.

Choice D rationale:

A client who consistently coughs after drinking liquids might require assessment and intervention, but it does not present an immediate priority. The nurse can address this concern within the rehabilitation unit and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team as needed.