While assessing the breath sounds of a client with Parkinson’s disease, a nurse hears adventitious sounds. How should the client’s nutritional needs be met?

Step 1: We are instructed to administer tobramycin 35mg IM every 8 hours. The available supply is 40mg in a 1 mL vial.

Step 2: We need to find out how many mL’s should the nurse administer. Step 3: We can set up a proportion to solve this.

Step 4: If 40mg is equivalent to 1mL, then 35mg is equivalent to x mL. Step 5: Solving for x gives us x = (35mg ÷ 40mg) × 1mL.

Step 6: Calculating the above expression gives us x = 0.875 mL.

Step 7: Rounding our answer to the nearest tenth, we get 0.9 mL. So, the nurse should administer 0.9 mL.

Choice A rationale

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication that can occur in comatose patients. Immobility is a major risk factor for VTE, and comatose patients are often immobile. Therefore, nurses should be vigilant for signs of VTE, such as swelling, pain, or redness in the extremities.
Choice B rationale
Hemorrhage is not typically a direct complication of coma. However, the underlying cause of the coma, such as a traumatic brain injury, could potentially lead to hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale
Contractures, or the shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, can occur in comatose patients due to prolonged immobility. Regular movement and physiotherapy can help prevent this complication.
Choice D rationale
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common complication in comatose patients. They occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, usually over bony areas. Regular turning and good skin care can help prevent pressure ulcers.
Choice E rationale
Pneumonia is a common complication in comatose patients, often resulting from aspiration (inhaling food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs)2. Nurses should be vigilant for signs of pneumonia, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.