The healthcare provider prescribes 100 mL of 0.9% normal saline to be infused within 15 minutes. The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Enter numerical value only.)

Choice A reason: Overall fluid intake should not be limited. In fact, increasing fluid intake is generally recommended to help flush out the urinary system and prevent the formation of new stones. Adequate hydration is key to preventing urinary tract calculi.

Choice B reason: Citrus fruit juices, such as orange juice and grapefruit juice, should be limited because they can increase the acidity of the urine. High acidity can contribute to the formation of certain types of kidney stones, particularly uric acid stones. Limiting citrus fruit juices can help reduce the risk of stone recurrence.

Choice C reason: Low-sodium sodas are generally better than regular sodas, but it is important to note that many sodas, even low-sodium ones, contain high levels of phosphates and other substances that can contribute to kidney stone formation. While low-sodium sodas are a better option, the primary focus should be on overall healthy fluid choices.

Choice D reason: Tea and hot chocolate should be limited due to their oxalate content. Oxalates can bind with calcium in the urine to form calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common type of kidney stones. Limiting the intake of tea and hot chocolate can help reduce the risk of stone formation.

Choice A reason: Polyuria and excessive thirst are classic symptoms of diabetes insipidus and indicate the body's inability to retain water due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). While these symptoms need to be managed, they are not immediately life-threatening compared to severe hypernatremia.

Choice B reason: A serum sodium level of 185 mEq/L (185 mmol/L) indicates severe hypernatremia, which is an immediate medical emergency. Severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and even coma due to the osmotic shift of water out of brain cells. Immediate intervention is required to correct the sodium imbalance and prevent serious complications.

Choice C reason: An apical heart rate of 110 beats per minute is indicative of tachycardia, which can be associated with dehydration and the body's response to maintain cardiac output. While it is a concern, it does not take precedence over the need to address severe hypernatremia.

Choice D reason: Dry skin with inelastic turgor is a sign of dehydration, which is a common issue in diabetes insipidus due to excessive fluid loss. While this requires attention, it is not as immediately critical as addressing severe hypernatremia, which poses a direct and urgent threat to the client's neurological and overall health.