The healthcare provider prescribes 500 mL intravenous (IV) bolus of 0.9% normal saline to be infused over 30 minutes. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the infusion pump? (Enter numerical value only.)

The correct answer/s is Choice/s A, C, and E.

Choice A rationale: Obtaining the client’s tympanic temperature measurement is a crucial step. The client’s confusion and disorientation could be symptoms of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection or pneumonia. Infections in older adults can often present with atypical symptoms, including changes in mental status. Therefore, checking the client’s temperature can help identify if the client has a fever, which is a common sign of an infection.

Choice B rationale: While it’s always important to be aware of a client’s allergies, especially when administering medications, it doesn’t directly address the immediate concern of the client’s altered mental status. Therefore, it’s not the most appropriate action to take in response to the situation described.

Choice C rationale: Asking if the client is experiencing any pain with urination is relevant because urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older adults and can cause confusion and other changes in mental status. Pain during urination is a common symptom of a UTI.

Choice D rationale: Encouraging the intake of high protein foods is generally a good recommendation for older adults to maintain their strength and energy levels. However, it’s not directly related to the client’s current symptoms of confusion and disorientation.

Choice E rationale: Determining if the client has recently experienced a fall is important. Falls in older adults can lead to injuries, such as a head injury, which can cause confusion and other changes in mental status. Additionally, some medications used to treat pain after a fall can also contribute to confusion.

A) Incorrect- While it's important for UAPs to report changes in a client's condition, the immediate priority is to assess and address the deteriorating condition of the client. The nurse's first action should be to stop the current care being provided and assess the client.
B) Correct- In this situation, the priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. The client's deteriorated condition needs to be assessed promptly by a licensed nurse to determine the appropriate interventions. Stopping the care being provided by the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) allows the nurse to focus on the client's immediate needs.
C) Incorrect- Administering oral medications is not the immediate priority in this situation. The client's deteriorating condition takes precedence over administering medications.
D) Incorrect- While investigating the situation and addressing communication gaps is important, the first priority is to assess and address the client's current condition. The nurse needs to take immediate action to ensure the client's safety and well-being.