A nurse in a long-term care facility has just received change-of-shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first?

• Decreased respiratory effort, bilateral crackles: Reduced respiratory effort following opioid administration suggests opioid-induced respiratory depression. Crackles may indicate early airway compromise due to poor ventilation or fluid accumulation, requiring immediate intervention to support breathing.
• Somnolent: Somnolence beyond expected postoperative drowsiness, especially in combination with other signs of opioid overdose, indicates central nervous system depression. The client is difficult to arouse, raising concern for airway and breathing compromise.
• Pinpoint pupils: Pinpoint pupils are a hallmark sign of opioid toxicity. In the setting of recent morphine administration and accompanying respiratory depression, this finding confirms that opioid overdose is likely occurring and must be treated promptly.
• Respiratory rate 10/min: A respiratory rate under 12 breaths per minute following opioid administration is a major red flag for opioid-induced respiratory depression. Immediate action is needed to prevent further decline in respiratory status, including potential use of naloxone.
• Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure has dropped significantly compared to the earlier reading, suggesting opioid-related hypotension. While not yet critically low, the trend combined with other overdose signs indicates instability needing close monitoring and intervention.
• Heart rate 58/min: Although the client is bradycardic, this alone is not the most urgent issue compared to respiratory depression and neurological decline. It should still be monitored closely, but it is less immediately life-threatening than the airway and breathing concerns.
• Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F): This temperature is within normal range and does not require follow-up. There are no indications of infection or thermoregulatory issues based on the current temperature.

A. Urinary catheter: A urinary catheter is not routinely required for infants with a spica cast. Unless there are specific urinary retention issues or surgical complications, normal voiding is expected, and a catheter would introduce unnecessary risk for infection.

B. Wound vac: A wound vac is used for complex wound management involving significant drainage or delayed healing. Infants with a spica cast typically do not have open wounds that necessitate negative pressure wound therapy, making this equipment unnecessary for discharge.

C. Car seat: A special car seat or car bed is necessary for safe transportation of an infant in a spica cast, as standard car seats cannot accommodate the wide leg positioning. Proper fitting ensures both safety and compliance with transportation regulations during discharge.

D. Feeding pump: A feeding pump is typically used for clients requiring continuous enteral feeding. Unless the infant has a separate feeding disorder or gastrointestinal complication, feeding by mouth is expected, and a feeding pump would not be standard discharge equipment.