A client with Parkinson's disease receives a prescription for benztropine. Which common adverse effect(s) should the nurse include in the teaching plan? Select all that apply

Rationale for correct choices:

• Respirations: Morphine is an opioid analgesic that can depress the respiratory center in the brainstem, leading to slowed breathing and hypoventilation. Monitoring respirations after administration is critical to detect early signs of opioid-induced respiratory depression.

• Ice application to the shoulder: Applying ice reduces swelling, pain, and inflammation by causing vasoconstriction and limiting fluid accumulation at the injury site. For an acute humeral fracture with significant swelling and bruising, cold therapy is the appropriate intervention.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Nausea: While morphine can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects, they are not the most life-threatening concerns compared to respiratory depression. Monitoring nausea is appropriate but not the priority when evaluating opioid safety.

• Blood pressure: Morphine can cause hypotension, but this effect is less common and typically secondary to respiratory depression and vasodilation. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure is helpful, but respiratory monitoring takes priority in detecting opioid complications.

• Early active range of motion: Active movement of the injured arm is not recommended immediately after a displaced humeral fracture, as it can worsen displacement and interfere with healing. Immobilization and stabilization are required before introducing range-of-motion exercises.

• Heat application to the shoulder: Heat increases blood flow to tissues, which can worsen swelling and bleeding in the acute phase of injury. Applying heat too soon after a fracture increases the risk of complications rather than reducing them.

A. Calculate the intake and output: Measuring intake and output directly reflects fluid balance, making it one of the most reliable ways to determine if fluid restriction and diuretics are effective. Tracking fluid intake compared to urine output helps assess reduction in fluid overload.

B. Assess pulse rate: While monitoring pulse rate is part of routine assessment, it does not provide a clear picture of whether fluid overload is improving. Changes in pulse may occur with dehydration, arrhythmias, or other conditions, but it is not a primary measure of fluid balance.

C. Monitor the temperature: Body temperature is important for identifying infection or inflammation but does not indicate fluid status. Monitoring temperature would not help evaluate whether fluid restriction and diuretic therapy are relieving fluid overload.

D. Checking for orthostatic hypotension: Orthostatic changes can suggest hypovolemia or dehydration but are less useful for measuring the gradual effectiveness of fluid restriction. They may be monitored if over-diuresis is suspected, but they are not the best evaluation tool.

E. Obtain a daily weight: Daily weight is one of the most accurate indicators of fluid balance. A decrease in weight reflects effective removal of excess fluid, as even small weight changes can indicate significant fluid gain or loss in the body.