A client with lung cancer who wears a subcutaneous morphine sulfate patch for pain is short of breath and is difficult to arouse. When performing a head to toe assessment, the nurse discovers four analgesic patches on the client's body. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Measure the client's blood pressure.
Remove all of the morphine patches.
Apply oxygen per face mask.
Administer a narcotic antagonist.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Measure the client's blood pressure:
While monitoring blood pressure is an important aspect of assessing a client's overall condition, it is not the immediate priority in a suspected opioid overdose. Respiratory depression and difficulty in arousing are more critical concerns that warrant prompt intervention with naloxone.
B. Remove all of the morphine patches:
While eventually, the nurse will need to address the presence of multiple morphine patches, removing them is not the first action. Administering naloxone to reverse the opioid effects takes precedence over patch removal.
C. Apply oxygen per face mask:
While providing oxygen may be necessary to support respiratory function, it doesn't address the underlying cause of the respiratory distress, which is likely opioid toxicity. Administering naloxone is the more direct and immediate intervention to counteract the effects of the opioids.
D. Administer a narcotic antagonist:
This is the correct and immediate priority. If the client is difficult to arouse and has multiple morphine patches, it raises concerns about opioid toxicity. Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, particularly respiratory depression, and is crucial in this scenario to restore normal respiratory function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
A. Use standard precautions and wear a mask:
The use of standard precautions is appropriate for general care to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. However, specific to MRSA, additional precautions are needed. Wearing a mask is generally not necessary unless the client has respiratory symptoms that warrant respiratory precautions.
B. Institute contact precautions for staff and visitors:
This is a correct intervention. Contact precautions involve using gowns and gloves when providing care to prevent the transmission of MRSA. It is important for both healthcare staff and visitors to adhere to contact precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
C. Explain the purpose of a low bacteria diet:
The purpose of a low bacteria diet is generally unrelated to the management of MRSA. Low bacteria diets are often recommended for individuals with compromised immune systems to reduce the risk of foodborne infections. However, it may not be directly applicable to MRSA management.
D. Monitor the client's white blood cell count:
Monitoring the white blood cell count is a relevant intervention. An elevated white blood cell count may indicate an ongoing infection or an inflammatory response. Regular monitoring helps assess the client's immune response and the potential severity of the infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Have the client sign the surgical and transfusion permits:
While obtaining signed consent is important, the immediate concern is addressing the client's medication history, especially the use of heparin, which can contribute to bleeding.
B. Ensure that the potential for bleeding is explained to the client:
Education about the potential for bleeding is important, but the immediate action is to communicate the client's medication history to the healthcare provider for appropriate guidance.
C. Observe the heparin injection sites for signs of bruising:
Monitoring for bruising at injection sites is a consideration, but it is not the priority when the client is actively bleeding from an open fracture.
D. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's medication history:
This is the correct answer. Heparin is an anticoagulant, and its use can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. The healthcare provider needs to be informed of the client's current medication history to make decisions regarding the timing and management of heparin therapy in the perioperative period.
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