The provider orders fluid replacement for a dehydrated patient.

The order entered is 1000 mL over 10 hours.

If using an IV pump, what is the rate that the nurse should enter?

Choice A rationale
Holding the pain medication until the patient wakes up is not the best choice. Pain can disrupt sleep, and it’s important to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. If the patient is sleeping, it may be because the pain is well-controlled, and delaying the medication could lead to a return of pain.
Choice B rationale
The patient should be given the scheduled pain medication. This is the best choice because it ensures that the patient’s pain is managed effectively. Even if the patient is sleeping, the medication should be given to prevent the pain from returning.
Choice C rationale
Calling the family and asking if the patient would like to be woken up to have their pain medication is not the best choice. The nurse should make this decision based on the patient’s pain level and the medication schedule, not on the family’s preferences.
Choice D rationale
The statement that the patient has become addicted to the medication and is sleeping the last dose off is not accurate. Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. In this case, the patient is receiving the medication for a legitimate medical reason, and there is no indication of addiction.

Choice A rationale
Fairness refers to treating all people equally and making decisions without favoritism or prejudice. This is not the most fitting answer because the scenario does not provide information about the nurse treating all patients equally.
Choice B rationale
Confidence in nursing involves trust in one’s abilities and clinical judgment. Although confidence is important in all nursing actions, this scenario does not specifically highlight the nurse’s confidence.

Choice C rationale
Advocacy in nursing refers to the nurse’s role in standing up for the rights and needs of their patient. While notifying the provider could be seen as a form of advocacy, the nurse’s actions in this scenario are more closely aligned with accountability.
Choice D rationale
Accountability in nursing refers to the responsibility of nurses to execute their duties according to standards, being answerable for their actions. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates accountability by acknowledging the medication error, assessing the patient for any adverse effects, and reporting the incident.