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 C
Explanation
A. Prednisone should generally be taken with food or after a meal to reduce the risk of gastric irritation or ulcer formation. Taking it on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as gastritis or peptic ulcers.
B. While some medications are best taken at bedtime (such as those with sedative effects), prednisone is a corticosteroid that can affect the body's circadian rhythm and may interfere with sleep. It typically causes insomnia or restlessness, so it’s usually advised to take it in the morning.
C. Prednisone and other corticosteroids can lead to bone loss (osteoporosis) over time, especially with long-term use. One of the side effects of corticosteroid therapy is decreased calcium absorption and bone density loss, making individuals at higher risk for fractures.
D. Prednisone more commonly causes weight gain rather than weight loss. Corticosteroids increase appetite and can lead to fluid retention, both of which can result in weight gain. Additionally, prednisone can cause redistribution of fat, often leading to characteristic side effects like "moon face" or increased abdominal fat.
B. Incorrect. Prednisone is often prescribed as a single daily dose in the morning to coincide with the body's natural cortisol release.
C. Incorrect. While calcium supplementation might be necessary for some individuals on long-term prednisone therapy, it is not a primary instruction related to taking prednisone.
D. Correct. Monitoring for weight loss is important due to the potential for weight changes (both weight gain and weight loss) as a result of prednisone's effects on metabolism and appetite.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. A Glasgow coma scale (GCS) rating of 15 indicates that the client is able to obey commands.
B. Correct. A GCS rating of 15 indicates that the client is fully conscious and oriented to person, place, and time.
C. Incorrect. Opening eyes to sound is a response associated with the eye-opening component of the GCS score, but this response does not provide information about the client's orientation.
D. Incorrect. Withdrawing from pain is a response associated with the motor component of the GCS score, but this response does not provide information about the client's orientation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
