The nurse is instructing a patient on how to administer 0.5 mg of epinephrine intramuscularly.

If the available dose is 0.5 mg/0.5 mL, how many mL should the patient be taught to administer?

Choice A rationale
A patient with type 1 diabetes who has taken a high dose of insulin is at the highest risk for developing hypoglycemia. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels, and taking a high dose can cause the levels to drop too low.
Choice B rationale
A patient with type 2 diabetes who has not taken any medication is not at a high risk for developing hypoglycemia. Without medication, their blood glucose levels may be high, not low.
Choice C rationale
An elderly patient who is taking an antibiotic for an infection is not at a high risk for developing hypoglycemia. Antibiotics do not typically affect blood glucose levels.
Choice D rationale
A patient with metabolic syndrome who is taking a statin to lower cholesterol levels is not at a high risk for developing hypoglycemia. Statins do not typically affect blood glucose levels.

Choice A rationale
Medicate the client 30 minutes before the procedure. This is the correct action. Administering pain medication 30 minutes before the procedure allows the medication to take effect and provides pain control during the procedure.
Choice B rationale
Reassure the client that the procedure is not painful. This is not accurate. Debridement and hydrotherapy can be painful, so it’s important to manage the client’s pain effectively.
Choice C rationale
Utilize meditation and imagery. While these techniques can be helpful adjuncts to pain management, they should not replace pharmacological pain management in this situation.
Choice D rationale
Administer pain medication around the clock. While it’s important to manage pain effectively, this does not specifically address the client’s needs during the hydrotherapy and debridement procedure.