A nurse is preparing to infuse a 250-mL unit of packed RBCs over 2 hours. The drop factor of the manual IV tubing is 15 gtts/mL. The nurse should adjust the flow rate to deliver how many drops per minute?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A reason: Providing the client with articles from the internet that explain colon cancer stages is not the best approach. While it is important for the client to understand their condition, the nurse should ensure that the information is accurate and tailored to the client’s specific situation. Additionally, the nurse should facilitate a direct conversation between the client and the healthcare provider to address any questions or concerns.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to write down questions to ask the provider is an excellent approach. This empowers the client to actively participate in their care and ensures that they have a clear understanding of their diagnosis and treatment options. It also helps the client to remember important questions during their consultation with the provider.

Choice C reason: Explaining the various options available for treatment based on the cancer stage is not within the nurse’s scope of practice. Detailed discussions about treatment options should be conducted by the healthcare provider, who has the expertise to provide accurate and comprehensive information tailored to the client’s specific medical condition.

Choice D reason: Assuring the client that the provider will explain what has been planned is a supportive response, but it does not actively engage the client in their care. While it is important to reassure the client, the nurse should also encourage the client to prepare questions and participate in discussions with the provider to ensure they fully understand their treatment plan.

Choice A reason: Client reports knee pain changed from 4/10 to 6/10 is an important finding, but it is not as critical as a significant drop in blood pressure. Pain levels can fluctuate postoperatively, and while increased pain should be addressed, it does not typically require immediate notification of the provider unless it is severe or unmanageable.

Choice B reason: Pulse oximetry changed from 98% to 96% is a minor change and still within normal limits. A pulse oximetry reading of 96% is generally acceptable and does not indicate a critical issue that requires immediate provider notification.

Choice C reason: Temperature changed from 37.2°C (99.0°F) to 37.5°C (99.5°F) is a slight increase and still within the normal range. Postoperative patients can experience minor fluctuations in temperature, and this change does not typically indicate a serious problem.

Choice D reason: Systolic blood pressure changed from 140 mm Hg to 110 mm Hg is a significant drop and could indicate hypotension, which can be a serious complication, especially in an older adult post-surgery. Hypotension can result from various causes, including blood loss, dehydration, or effects of anesthesia, and requires prompt assessment and intervention.