A client with severe sepsis has a serum lactate level of 6.2 ...

[P68T]

A client with severe sepsis has a serum lactate level of 6.2 mmol/L. The client weighs 250 pounds. To infuse the amount of fluid this client requires in 24 hours, at what rate does the nurse set the IV pump?
 
  (Record your answer using a whole number.) ____ mL/hr

Question 2

A client in the cardiac stepdown unit reports severe, crushing chest pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. What action by the nurse takes priority?
 
  a. Administer an aspirin.
  b. Call for an electrocardiogram (ECG).
  c. Maintain airway patency.
  d. Notify the provider.

[katkat_flores]

Answer to Question 1

ANS:
142 mL/hr
The client weighs 250 pounds = 113.63636 kg. The fluid requirement for this client is 30 mL/kg = 3409 mL. To infuse this amount over 24 hours, set the pump at 142 mL/hr (3409/24 = 142).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Airway always is the priority. The other actions are important in this situation as well, but the nurse should stay with the client and ensure the airway remains patent (especially if vomiting occurs) while another person calls the provider (or Rapid Response Team) and facilitates getting an ECG done. Aspirin will probably be administered, depending on the provider's prescription and the client's current medications.