Order: Diphenhydramine 25mg Q4H

Available: Diphenhydramine 12.5mg/5mL

How much will you administer?

A. 24-year-old woman with allergic rhinitis:

Likely safe to take an alpha-adrenergic decongestant as allergic rhinitis is a common indication for decongestant use in young, healthy individuals.

B. 18-year-old man with cold symptoms:

Likely safe to take an alpha-adrenergic decongestant as it's a common indication for decongestant use in young, healthy individuals.

C. 64-year-old woman with a history of heart disease:

Should avoid alpha-adrenergic decongestants due to the risk of increasing blood pressure and potentially worsening heart conditions.

D. 70-year-old woman with glaucoma:

Should avoid alpha-adrenergic decongestants due to the risk of exacerbating glaucoma by causing pupil dilation and increasing intraocular pressure.

E. 56-year-old man with prostatic hypertrophy:

Should avoid alpha-adrenergic decongestants due to the risk of worsening urinary symptoms caused by prostatic hypertrophy, such as urinary retention.

A. The patient's Spo2 is 97% on 2L NC:

This assessment finding indicates that the patient's oxygen saturation level (SpO2) is 97% while receiving 2 liters per minute of oxygen via nasal cannula. Oxygen saturation is a measure of the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the blood. A SpO2 level of 97% suggests adequate oxygenation, which is essential for effective gas exchange. Therefore, if the patient's SpO2 is within the target range on the prescribed oxygen therapy, it indicates that the interventions aimed at improving gas exchange have been effective.

B. The patient appears comfortable:

While patient comfort is important, it is not a direct indicator of effective gas exchange. A patient may appear comfortable for various reasons, such as pain relief, proper positioning, or emotional support, but this does not necessarily reflect improved gas exchange. Therefore, while comfort is an important aspect of nursing care, it is not specifically indicative of the effectiveness of interventions for impaired gas exchange.

C. The patient is coughing up copious white sputum:

The presence of copious white sputum does not directly indicate improved gas exchange. White sputum may suggest various conditions, such as respiratory tract infections or inflammation, but it does not provide direct information about gas exchange efficiency. Effective gas exchange involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the alveolar-capillary membrane, which cannot be assessed solely based on sputum production.

D. The patient is able to move out of bed without difficulty:

The ability to move out of bed without difficulty may indicate improved overall physical function or mobility, but it does not specifically reflect improved gas exchange. Gas exchange primarily involves the transfer of oxygen from the alveoli into the bloodstream and the removal of carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the alveoli for exhalation. While improved gas exchange may lead to enhanced physical endurance and reduced dyspnea, the ability to move out of bed without difficulty is not a direct measure of gas exchange efficiency.