The healthcare provider prescribes an IV solution of clindamycin 850 mg in 75 ml of D5W to infuse over 30 minutes.

The drop factor is 15 gtt/mL. The nurse should regulate the IV to deliver how many gtt/minute? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

Choice A rationale:

Radiation exposure to the eye is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, it is not a contraindication for ophthalmic ketorolac. In fact, ketorolac may be used to treat pain and inflammation associated with radiation exposure to the eye.

Ophthalmic ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation and pain.

Radiation exposure can damage the cells of the eye, leading to inflammation and pain. Ketorolac can help to reduce these symptoms.

However, it is important to note that ketorolac does not address the underlying cause of radiation exposure, and further treatment may be necessary.

Choice B rationale:

Corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. It is a common eye injury that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as getting poked in the eye, rubbing the eye too hard, or wearing contact lenses for too long.

Ophthalmic ketorolac is contraindicated in patients with corneal abrasions because it can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

This is because ketorolac inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in the healing process. Prostaglandins also play a role in fighting infection.

Therefore, using ketorolac in a patient with a corneal abrasion could potentially lead to a more serious infection.

Choice C rationale:

Chemical burn to the eye is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. Ophthalmic ketorolac is not typically used to treat chemical burns to the eye.

This is because ketorolac is not effective in reducing inflammation caused by chemical burns. In addition, ketorolac can potentially worsen the injury by delaying healing.

Choice D rationale:

Foreign body in the eye is a common eye injury that can be caused by a variety of objects, such as dust, sand, or metal shavings. Ophthalmic ketorolac is not typically used to treat foreign bodies in the eye.

This is because ketorolac will not help to remove the foreign body from the eye. In addition, ketorolac can potentially worsen the injury by delaying healing.

The correct answer is choice A, C, and D.

Choice A rationale:

The patient’s oxygen saturation is at 94%, which is just below the normal range of 95-100% for healthy adults breathing room air. Administering oxygen 2 to 4 liters to maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95% is a standard intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

A stat ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan is typically ordered for suspected pulmonary embolism, which is not indicated by the patient’s current data. The patient’s symptoms do not specifically suggest a V/Q mismatch that would necessitate this diagnostic test.

Choice C rationale:

A chest x-ray is a common diagnostic tool for evaluating the lungs and heart, especially when a patient presents with symptoms that may indicate respiratory or cardiac issues. Given the patient’s temperature and heart rate, which are slightly elevated, a chest x-ray can help identify any potential underlying conditions.

Choice D rationale:

Ordering a CBC, BMP, and blood cultures can help identify the cause of the patient’s fever and tachycardia. These tests provide valuable information about the patient’s immune response, electrolyte balance, kidney function, and whether there is a bacterial infection.

Choice E rationale:

While sending sputum for culture and sensitivity could be helpful if a respiratory infection is suspected, the patient’s data does not strongly indicate a respiratory infection as the primary issue. Therefore, this test may not be the most immediate need.