A client is receiving morphine sulfate via a patient controlled analgesic (PCA) pump postoperatively. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to administer a prescribed PRN dose of naloxone?
Expresses that they cannot get enough air to breathe.
Respiratory rate of 7 breaths/minute.
Bilateral wheezing on auscultation.
Pulse oximeter reading of 89% on room air.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Expresses that they cannot get enough air to breathe: While this statement suggests respiratory distress, it is not as objective an assessment finding as a respiratory rate of 7 breaths/minute. Objective measurements are typically more reliable indicators for initiating interventions.
B) Respiratory rate of 7 breaths/minute: A respiratory rate of 7 breaths/minute is indicative of respiratory depression, which is a potential side effect of opioid analgesics like morphine sulfate. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression. Administering a prescribed PRN dose of naloxone is appropriate to counteract the respiratory depression and prevent further complications.
C) Bilateral wheezing on auscultation: Wheezing is more commonly associated with bronchoconstriction or airway obstruction rather than opioid-induced respiratory depression. Naloxone is not indicated for wheezing unless there is concurrent opioid-induced respiratory depression.
D) Pulse oximeter reading of 89% on room air: While a pulse oximeter reading of 89% indicates hypoxemia, it may not be solely due to opioid-induced respiratory depression. Other factors, such as hypoventilation, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, or lung disease, could contribute to decreased oxygen saturation. Administering naloxone solely based on pulse oximetry readings may not address the underlying cause adequately. It is essential to assess the client comprehensively, considering clinical signs and symptoms along with objective data.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A)Holds the pen in place after the injection:
This action is appropriate. Holding the auto-injector pen in place after administering the injection allows the medication to be fully delivered into the muscle. It ensures that the full dose of epinephrine is administered, which is crucial during an emergency situation such as anaphylaxis.
B) Administers into the fleshy outer thigh:
Administering the epinephrine injection into the fleshy outer thigh is the correct technique. The thigh muscle provides a large and accessible area for injection, allowing for rapid absorption of the medication into the bloodstream. This action facilitates the quick onset of epinephrine’s effects, which is vital in treating anaphylaxis.
C) Cleanses the injection pen for re-use:
This action requires intervention by the nurse. Epinephrine auto-injectors are designed for single use only and should not be cleansed or reused. Reusing the injection pen can lead to contamination, incorrect dosing, or malfunction, compromising its effectiveness during subsequent emergencies. It is essential to educate the client that the auto-injector pen is for one-time use only, and a new device should be used if another dose is required.
D) Inserts the injection pen through clothing:
While it is ideal to administer the injection directly onto bare skin, inserting the injection pen through clothing is acceptable in emergency situations when immediate access to bare skin is not possible. The priority during anaphylaxis is administering the epinephrine promptly. However, if feasible, the clothing should be moved aside to allow direct contact of the injection site with the skin for optimal absorption of the medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Keep an oral liquid or glucose source available:
While it's essential to have a readily available source of glucose in case of hypoglycemia, ensuring consistency in meal timing is more critical for managing blood sugar levels in clients receiving insulin lispro. However, having a glucose source available is still important as a precautionary measure.
B) Check blood glucose levels every six hours:
Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential in managing diabetes, but checking levels every six hours may not be necessary for all clients. The frequency of blood glucose monitoring should be individualized based on factors such as the client's overall glycemic control, insulin regimen, meal timing, and activity level.
C) Assess for hypoglycemia between meals:
While assessing for hypoglycemia is important, especially in clients receiving insulin therapy, ensuring consistent meal timing is a more proactive measure to prevent hypoglycemia. Clients should ideally consume meals or snacks containing carbohydrates around the same time they administer rapid-acting insulins like insulin lispro to prevent blood sugar fluctuations.
D) Provide meals at the same time this insulin is given:
This is the correct intervention. Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that is typically administered just before meals to control postprandial blood sugar levels effectively. Providing meals at consistent times relative to insulin administration helps synchronize the peak action of the insulin with the rise in blood glucose that occurs after eating, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
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