A nurse caring for the family of a client who recently died. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Acetone breath is a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes mellitus. It occurs due to the presence of ketones in the breath and is not specific to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels, not elevated ketone levels.

Choice B rationale:

Confusion is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop significantly, the brain may not receive enough glucose to function properly, leading to confusion, dizziness, and other neurological symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Polydipsia refers to excessive thirst and is a symptom of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), not hypoglycemia. In hyperglycemic states, the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to increased thirst.

Choice D rationale:

Hot, dry skin is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and cool, clammy skin due to the body's stress response.

The correct answer is A. Increased pain.

Choice A reason: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that, when administered, reverses the effects of opioids. Since opioids provide analgesia, their reversal will lead to the return of pain sensation. The normal pain response varies widely among individuals and depends on the type and amount of opioid the patient received, as well as their pain threshold and tolerance.

Choice B reason: Somnolence, or drowsiness, is a common effect of opioid administration. Naloxone works by displacing opioids from their receptors, which should counteract the sedative effects of opioids and reduce somnolence. Therefore, after naloxone administration, the nurse should not expect somnolence as a finding.

Choice C reason: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a direct effect of naloxone administration. While some studies suggest that naloxone may affect blood glucose levels under certain conditions, such as in the case of tramadol overdose, it does not typically cause hyperglycemia. Normal blood glucose levels range from 70 to 99 mg/dL fasting, and up to 140 mg/dL two hours after eating.

Choice D reason: Hypoventilation, or reduced breathing rate and depth, is caused by opioid administration. Naloxone’s role is to reverse this effect, restoring normal breathing rates. The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute.