A nurse in an emergency department is administering naloxone to a client who had a heroin overdose.
The nurse should identify which of the following assessment findings as an indication that the medication is reversing the effects of the opioid overdose?
Decreased temperature.
Polyuria.
Bradycardia.
Increased respiratory rate.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. Chickenpox is contagious until the sores have crusted over, which generally takes about 5-7 days. Visiting after this period reduces the risk of infection.
B. Incorrect. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses; they treat bacterial infections.
C. Incorrect. Handwashing should be done with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, not 10 seconds, to effectively remove germs.
D. Incorrect. Cleaning a cat's litter box during pregnancy is not recommended due to the risk of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. The natural loss of deciduous (baby) teeth typically begins around 6 years of age, not at 2 years old.
B. Correct. Toddlers often have a nontender, protruding abdomen due to their underdeveloped abdominal muscles.
C. Incorrect. The fontanels (soft spots on the baby's head) should be closed by 18-24 months of age. Palpable fontanels at 2 years old could indicate abnormal cranial development.
D. Incorrect. It is not typical for a 2-year-old's head circumference to exceed their chest circumference. Head circumference is usually greater in infants but gradually becomes similar to chest circumference by 1-2 years of age.
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