Author Question: A nurse is caring for a 6-year-old patient after surgery. The child has an order for meperidine ... (Read 23 times)

Chloeellawright · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is caring for a 6-year-old patient after surgery. The child has an order for meperidine (Demerol) 1.8 mg/kg IM every 3 to 4 hour as needed for pain. The child weighs 30 kg and the meperidine is available as 50 mg/mL.

How many mL will the nurse administer per dose? A) 1 mL
B) 1.8 mL
C) 0.8 mL
D) 1.08 mL

Question 2

The nurse assesses the patient's rhythm strip and notes several premature ventricular contractions, which the nurse recognizes is caused by what?

A) Stimulation of the ventricles from an ectopic focus in the ventricles
B) Stimulation of the ventricles from the atrioventricular node
C) Stimulation of the ventricles from the Purkinje fibers
D) Stimulation of the ventricles from the bundle of His

ErinKing · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
To calculate the correct amount to be administered, first multiply 1.8 mg times 30 kg (54 mg). Next determine the volume in mL that 54 mg is equal to (50 mg: 1 mL as 54 mg: mL). Solve for X (50X is equal to 54 mg; 54 divided by 50 is equal to 1.08 mL).

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
Premature ventricular contractions are stimulations of the cells caused by an ectopic focus in the ventricles causing an early contraction. The source of these ectopic foci could be anywhere within the ventricles, but the end result is reduced cardiac output due to reduced force of contraction.