The nurse receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg intravenously (IV) every 12 hours to be infused over an hour. The IV bag contains ciprofloxacin 400 mg in dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 200 mL. The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Enter numerical value only.)

Choice A reason: Monitoring for signs of sodium and fluid retention is not relevant to this situation, as broad spectrum antibiotics do not affect sodium or fluid balance. Sodium and fluid retention may be caused by other conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Choice B reason: Obtaining wound and blood specimens for culture and sensitivity is most important before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as this can help identify the specific type and strain of bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotic is most effective against it. Broad spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria, but they may also kill beneficial bacteria and increase the risk of resistance or superinfection.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a complete blood count and serum electrolytes is not necessary before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as these tests do not provide information about the type or severity of infection. A complete blood count may show an elevated white blood cell count or other changes in response to infection, but it does not identify the causative organism. Serum electrolytes may show abnormalities due to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, or other factors, but they do not indicate infection.

Choice D reason: Performing irrigation and topical antibiotic application to wound area is not sufficient before administering the first dose of a broad spectrum antibiotic, as this may not reach all sites of infection or eradicate all bacteria. Irrigation and topical antibiotic application may help clean and prevent further contamination of wound area, but they do not replace systemic antibiotic therapy.

Choice C reason: Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent that breaks down mucus and makes it easier to cough up or suction out. This helps to clear the airways and improve oxygenation. The nurse should expect to see increased sputum production after administering acetylcysteine and provide frequent suctioning as needed.

Choice A reason: Bronchodilation and wheezing are not therapeutic responses of acetylcysteine, but rather possible adverse effects. Acetylcysteine can cause bronchospasm or bronchoconstriction in some clients, especially those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor the client's breath sounds and oxygen saturation and report any signs of respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Unpleasant smell when using the medication is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a common side effect. Acetylcysteine has a rotten egg odor that can be unpleasant for both the client and the nurse. The nurse can minimize this by using a mouthwash or a flavored lozenge before and after administering acetylcysteine.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a rare but serious adverse effect. Acetylcysteine can cause vasodilation or hypovolemia in some clients, leading to low blood pressure and shock. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and report any signs of hypotension.