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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L):
This is the correct answer. A platelet count of 40,000 x10/μL is significantly below the normal range (usually around 150,000 to 450,000/μL). Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can increase the risk of bleeding during and after a surgical procedure. The healthcare provider should be alerted to assess the risk and determine the appropriate management.

B. White blood cells 9,000/μL (9x109/L):
The white blood cell count is within the normal range, and it is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

C. Hematocrit 38% (0.38):
The hematocrit level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L):
The hemoglobin level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

A. Measure pulse and blood pressure B. Document anxiety on the surgical checklist C. Assess skin temperature and moisture D. Check fingerstick glucose level E. Administer a PRN dose of regular insulin

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Measure pulse and blood pressure:
This action is crucial to assess the client's cardiovascular status. Weakness and jitteriness can be related to changes in blood pressure or cardiac function. Measuring pulse and blood pressure helps determine the client's hemodynamic stability.

B. Document anxiety on the surgical checklist:
While anxiety is a valid consideration, addressing the physiological aspects of the client's symptoms takes precedence.

C. Assess skin temperature and moisture:
Assessing skin temperature and moisture provides information about the client's perfusion and hydration status. Changes in skin characteristics can be indicative of underlying issues, and in a diabetic patient, it's important to monitor for potential complications affecting skin integrity.

D. Check fingerstick glucose level:
Given the client's recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the reported symptoms of weakness and jitteriness, checking the fingerstick glucose level is crucial. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels, whether hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, can contribute to these symptoms. This test provides immediate information about the client's glycemic status.

E. Administer a PRN dose of regular insulin:
If the fingerstick glucose level indicates hyperglycemia and the healthcare provider has prescribed a PRN (as needed) dose of regular insulin for high blood sugar, administering insulin may be necessary to address hyperglycemia promptly. This is in line with diabetes management protocols, and the nurse should follow specific orders and guidelines for insulin administration.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is performing the preoperative assessment for a client scheduled for a vertebroplasty of the cervical spine. Which finding should the nurse alert the healthcare provider of prior to the procedure?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An overweight, young adult client who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted for a hernia repair. The client reports feeling very weak and jittery. Which actions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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