How many drops per minute should the nurse set for the infusion? The patient has been prescribed 1 liter of 0.9% sodium chloride, USP to be administered intravenously (IV) over a period of 4 hours.

The IV administration set delivers 10 drops/mL. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.

Choice A rationale
Heberden’s nodes are bony swellings that develop at the end joints (distal interphalangeal joints) of fingers, particularly the fingers closest to the nails. They are a characteristic feature of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis causes the protective cartilage in the joints to wear down over time, leading to the development of these bony growths, which can be painful and limit joint movement. Therefore, discussing strategies for managing chronic pain with the patient is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take.
Choice B rationale
While checking the patient’s radial pulses and capillary refill time is a part of a comprehensive physical assessment, it is not directly related to the management of Heberden’s nodes or osteoarthritis.
Choice C rationale
Although Heberden’s nodes are a sign of osteoarthritis, they are not typically an emergency that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider. They are a common finding in individuals with osteoarthritis and are usually managed with conservative measures such as pain management and physical therapy.
Choice D rationale
Reviewing the patient’s dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden’s nodes or osteoarthritis. While a balanced diet is important for overall health, it does not specifically address the pain and limited joint movement associated with Heberden’s nodes.

Choice A rationale
Antibiotics are typically used to treat bacterial infections, not fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Therefore, using antibiotics would not be effective in this case.
Choice B rationale
While it’s important to use treatments for the full recommended duration to ensure the infection is completely eradicated, using an antibiotic ointment for a fungal infection like athlete’s foot would not be effective.
Choice C rationale
While it’s true that applying too much ointment can deter its effectiveness, the main issue here is that an antibiotic ointment is not the correct treatment for a fungal infection like athlete’s foot.
Choice D rationale
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments. Therefore, keeping the feet dry and clean is an important part of managing and preventing athlete’s foot. This includes wearing clean socks and allowing the feet to dry completely before putting on shoes.