A nurse in a long-term care facility is providing care for a client who has been receiving donepezil. Which of the following findings indicates that the medication is effective?

Choice A rationale:

Decreased temperature is not a typical sign of naloxone reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioid overdose commonly leads to respiratory depression and hypoxia, but it does not significantly affect body temperature. Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, thereby reversing the effects of the overdose. The primary signs of successful reversal include improved respiratory rate and increased alertness, not changes in body temperature.

Choice B rationale:

Polyuria (excessive urination) is not a specific indicator of naloxone effectiveness. Opioid overdose and naloxone administration primarily affect the central nervous system and respiratory function, not urinary output. Naloxone's effects are more evident in the client's level of consciousness, respiratory rate, and overall responsiveness.

Choice C rationale:

Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not an expected indicator of naloxone effectiveness. Opioid overdose typically causes respiratory depression, leading to a decreased respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. Naloxone works by reversing this respiratory depression and improving ventilation. Consequently, increased respiratory rate, not heart rate, is a more relevant indicator of naloxone's effectiveness in reversing opioid overdose.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct answer. Increased respiratory rate is a key indicator that naloxone is reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioid overdose depresses the respiratory system, leading to slow and shallow breathing. Naloxone, as an opioid receptor antagonist, rapidly reverses this effect, leading to a noticeable increase in the client's respiratory rate. Monitoring for improved breathing and increased oxygen saturation is crucial to assessing the effectiveness of naloxone in treating opioid overdose.

Choice A rationale:

Hearing loss is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity primarily affects the visual system, leading to disturbances such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision. It can also cause various cardiac symptoms due to its effects on heart rhythm and contractility. Hearing loss is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity.

Choice B rationale:

Tachycardia (fast heart rate) can be a sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause arrhythmias and alter heart rate, which may lead to tachycardia. While this is a possible symptom, it is not as specific as other manifestations, such as visual disturbances.

Choice C rationale:

Blurred vision is a hallmark sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause disturbances in color vision, such as seeing yellow or green halos around objects. Blurred vision is a significant indicator of digoxin toxicity and requires prompt medical attention.

Choice D rationale:

Insomnia is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity primarily affects the cardiovascular and visual systems, leading to symptoms related to heart rhythm disturbances and vision changes. Insomnia is not a typical manifestation of digoxin toxicity.