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":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Anticipated actions for the client include:
- A. Administer nifedipine.
- B. Assess blood pressure every 15 minutes.
- D. Assess for urinary retention.
Contraindicated actions for the client include:
- C. Perform suctioning (since there is no indication or information suggesting the need for suctioning).
- E. Place client in supine position (as it might worsen the symptoms).
- F. Withhold pain medication for headache until other manifestations resolve (it's important to address the headache promptly, especially if acetaminophen is prescribed for pain relief).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administering the medication 30 minutes earlier may not be appropriate without specific orders from the provider.
B. Infusing the medication at a faster rate is not a solution for adjusting the timing of the dose.
C. Administering the medication up to 2 hours after the usual schedule time is incorrect because it could lead to subtherapeutic levels and reduced effectiveness.
D. Adjusting the medication schedule solely for the convenience of the client without consulting the provider is not recommended.
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