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","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Client reports lower back pain and pinkish vaginal discharge.
- Explanation: Lower back pain and pinkish discharge can indicate preterm labor, especially given the client’s history of a previous preterm birth.
Uterine contractions every 8 minutes, palpate strong, duration 30 seconds.
- Explanation: Frequent and strong contractions suggest that labor may be progressing, which is concerning at 33 weeks gestation and needs close monitoring.
FHR baseline 145, minimal variability.
- Explanation: Minimal variability in the fetal heart rate (FHR) can be a sign of fetal distress or a lack of fetal well-being, warranting further evaluation.
Cervical exam indicates 2 cm, 50% effaced, 0 station.
- Explanation: Cervical dilation and effacement at 33 weeks gestation indicate that labor is progressing. Given the client's history of preterm birth, this finding is concerning and requires intervention to try to prevent another preterm delivery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. A client receiving heparin for deep-vein thrombosis should not be discharged early.
B. Correct. This client is the most appropriate candidate for early discharge in anticipation of multiple client admissions. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that typically requires only a short hospital stay. The client is likely stable at 1 day post-procedure and can be discharged with appropriate follow-up care.
C. Incorrect. A client with COPD and a respiratory rate of 44/min needs immediate attention, not early discharge.
D. Incorrect. This client is stable for discharge, as sealed radiation implants typically do not require hospitalization after a certain point, assuming they are stable and able to manage their care at home. Discharging this client can help free up resources for incoming patients, provided they have appropriate support at home.
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