The 24-year-old patient presents with flu-like symptoms and a diffuse maculopapular rash across her chest, trunk, and palms of the hands. Upon palpation, cervical lymph nodes are enlarged. The patient uses intravenous drugs and reports having unprotected sex. The patient’s labs are notable for negative HIV test, positive human chorionic gonadotropin test, and positive rapid plasma reagin test. The patient reports a history of anaphylaxis with penicillin administration. The nurse educates the patient about which treatment? 

The unresponsive patient is brought to the emergency department via ambulance. During an abbreviated neurologic exam, the nurse notes the following pupils, estimated to be 1 mm and fixed: The nurse prepares to administer which medication?

The provider orders hypertonic saline for a patient. The patient’s wife wants to know why this therapy is being given. Which of the following is the best statement regarding the rationale for this therapy?