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:

Being sleepy but arousing when her name is called is a common side effect of morphine, which is a potent opioid analgesic. Morphine can cause drowsiness and sedation, but this is not necessarily an adverse effect unless it progresses to a state where the patient cannot be easily aroused. Therefore, while this is a side effect, it is not as concerning as respiratory depression.

Choice B reason:

A respiratory rate of 8/min is an adverse effect of morphine. Opioids like morphine can depress the respiratory center in the brain, leading to a decreased respiratory rate. Normal respiratory rates for adults are typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. A rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates significant respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.

Choice C reason:

A pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10 indicates that the morphine has not fully alleviated the client’s pain. While this is important to address, it is not an adverse effect of the medication. The primary concern with morphine administration is monitoring for serious side effects like respiratory depression.

Choice A reason: Applying restraints if the client becomes agitated should be done with caution and only as a last resort. Restraints can increase the risk of injury and should be used according to hospital policy and only when absolutely necessary. Alternative methods to calm the client should be explored first.

Choice B reason: Administering pantoprazole as prescribed is important to prevent stress ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, which are common complications in clients receiving mechanical ventilation. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production.

Choice C reason: Verifying the prescribed ventilator settings daily is crucial to ensure the client is receiving the correct ventilation support. Regular checks help identify any discrepancies or changes in the client’s condition that may require adjustments to the ventilator settings.

Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by reducing the risk of aspiration. This position also aids in lung expansion and improves oxygenation.

Choice E reason: Repositioning the endotracheal tube to the opposite side of the mouth daily helps prevent pressure ulcers and sores in the mouth. Regular repositioning reduces the risk of tissue damage and infection.