A 198-lb patient is to receive a dobutamine infusion at 5 ...

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A 198-lb patient is to receive a dobutamine infusion at 5 mcg/kg/minute. The label on the infusion bag states: dobutamine 250 mg in 250 mL normal saline. When setting the infusion pump, the nurse will set the infusion rate at how many mL per hour?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Which preventive actions by the nurse will help limit the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients admitted to the hospital (select all that apply)?
 
  a. Use aseptic technique when caring for invasive lines or devices.
  b. Ambulate postoperative patients as soon as possible after surgery.
  c. Remove indwelling urinary catheters as soon as possible after surgery.
  d. Advocate for parenteral nutrition for patients who cannot take oral feedings.
  e. Administer prescribed antibiotics within 1 hour for patients with possible sepsis.

[Hikerman221]

Answer to Question 1

ANS:
27 In order to administer the dobutamine at the prescribed rate of 5 mcg/kg/minute from a concentration of 250 mg in 250 mL, the nurse will need to infuse 27 mL/hour.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C, E
Because sepsis is the most frequent etiology for SIRS, measures to avoid infection such as removing indwelling urinary catheters as soon as possible, use of aseptic technique, and early ambulation should be included in the plan of care. Adequate nutrition is important in preventing SIRS. Enteral, rather than parenteral, nutrition is preferred when patients are unable to take oral feedings because enteral nutrition helps maintain the integrity of the intestine, thus decreasing infection risk. Antibiotics should be administered within 1 hour after being prescribed to decrease the risk of sepsis progressing to SIRS.