A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving morphine IV for pain. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider first?
Urinary output 120 mL/4 hr
Pupil diameter 6 mm
Bowel movement 5 days ago
Blood pressure 80/40 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is D
A. Urinary output 120 mL/4 hr. This is on the lower end of normal but not critical. It should be monitored, especially in clients on opioids, but does not require immediate reporting ahead of more life-threatening findings.
B. Pupil diameter 6 mm. Dilated pupils may suggest other issues such as anxiety, medication effects, or pain, but are not a common concern with morphine, which usually causes miosis (pupil constriction). Still, this is not the most urgent concern.
C. Bowel movement 5 days ago. Constipation is a common side effect of opioids, including morphine, and should be addressed with stool softeners or laxatives. However, it is not an emergency.
D. Blood pressure 80/40 mm Hg. This indicates hypotension, a potentially life-threatening side effect of IV morphine, especially if it results in decreased perfusion or shock. It requires immediate intervention and provider notification.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Social worker. While a social worker can assist with emotional or financial concerns, they are not involved in managing oxygen delivery systems or therapy adherence related to medical devices.
B. Respiratory therapist. The respiratory therapist is the most appropriate team member to consult regarding oxygen delivery methods. They can assess the client’s needs, explain alternatives (e.g., nasal cannula instead of a mask), and help promote comfort and compliance with therapy.
C. Assistive personnel. Assistive personnel can support basic care tasks, but they are not trained to adjust or manage oxygen therapy or address client concerns about medical treatments.
D. Occupational therapist. Occupational therapists assist clients in regaining independence with daily activities, not in managing oxygen therapy. This issue is outside their scope of practice.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client calls the office multiple times per day to speak with their provider. This behavior may indicate anxiety or dependence, but it does not reflect rationalization, which involves making excuses to justify behavior.
B. The client states, "I only act this way because my partner makes me so angry." This is a clear example of rationalization, where the client is attempting to justify unacceptable behavior by blaming it on someone else rather than taking personal responsibility.
C. The client does not listen to the nurse during a discussion about their diagnosis. This may indicate denial or avoidance, not rationalization. The client may be overwhelmed and unwilling to accept the diagnosis.
D. The client reports that they get upset with their family members for "no apparent reason." This may suggest emotional dysregulation or projection, but it lacks the clear element of excuse-making that defines rationalization.
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