The nurse retrieves hydromorphone "4 mg/mL" from the electronic medication system, for a patient who is receiving hydromorphone 3 mg IM every 6 hours PRN for severe pain. How many mL should the nurse administer to the patient? (Enter the numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

The nurse needs to administer hydromorphone 3 mg to the patient. The concentration of the hydromorphone solution is 4 mg/mL. To find out how many mL the nurse should administer, we can use the formula:

Choice A reason: Offering to contact the family's spiritual counselor can provide emotional and spiritual support, but it is not the immediate priority in a situation where the client has expressed a desire to have life support withdrawn.

Choice B reason: Discussing comfort measures is important for the client and family to understand what to expect during the withdrawal process. However, this step comes after the healthcare provider has been informed and a plan of care is being developed.

Choice C reason: Informing the healthcare provider is the priority nursing intervention. The nurse acts as an advocate for the client's wishes and ensures that the appropriate steps are taken to respect the client's autonomy and decisions regarding their care.

Choice D reason: Explaining the actions that the healthcare team will follow is an essential part of the process, but it is not the first step. The healthcare provider must first be informed so that the proper orders and arrangements can be made.

This respiratory care scenario requires applying knowledge of oxygen delivery systems and normal physiological responses. To answer correctly, the nurse must understand the mechanical function of a partial rebreather mask and recognize the significance of a normal adult respiratory rate during therapy.

Choice A rationale: Increasing the oxygen liter flow is unnecessary because the reservoir bag is already functioning correctly by not deflating completely. Liter flow for this mask must be high enough (typically 6 to 11 L/min) to keep the bag two-thirds full.

Choice B rationale: Encouraging deep breaths is not indicated as the client's respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute is within the normal adult range of 12 to 20 breaths/minute. The current breathing pattern is effectively facilitating oxygenation without the need for coaching.

Choice C rationale: Removing the mask would interrupt oxygen therapy and is contraindicated. The reservoir bag is supposed to remain partially inflated during inhalation to ensure the client receives the prescribed oxygen concentration rather than room air or exhaled carbon dioxide.

Choice D rationale: The reservoir bag of a partial rebreather mask should not deflate completely during inspiration to prevent carbon dioxide buildup. Since the bag is functioning normally and the respiratory rate is stable, the nurse should simply document these findings.