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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "The estimated blood loss was 250 milliliters." This is a relevant clinical detail that directly impacts the client’s postoperative care. It provides important information for ongoing assessment of fluid status, potential for anemia, and need for interventions.
B. "The client was intubated without complications." While important during surgery, this is less relevant in the postoperative period unless the intubation caused complications or the client remains intubated. It does not guide current nursing care.
C. "There was a total of 10 sponges used during the procedure." Sponge counts are part of surgical safety and accountability, but they are not typically necessary in nursing hand-off unless a retained item is suspected.
D. "The client is a member of the board of directors." This is not clinically relevant and could breach confidentiality or bias care. Hand-off reports should focus solely on the client’s medical condition and nursing care needs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Candidiasis. This is a common fungal infection, often caused by Candida albicans. It is not a reportable disease to public health authorities because it is not typically considered a public health threat.
B. Chlamydia. Chlamydia is a nationally notifiable infectious disease due to its high prevalence and potential for serious complications such as infertility. Providers are required to report it to the state health department to aid in public health surveillance and control efforts.
C. Herpes simplex virus. While herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection, it is not currently on the national notifiable disease list and is not required to be routinely reported to public health agencies.
D. Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is widespread and associated with cervical cancer, but routine HPV infection is not reportable. However, certain types of cancer caused by HPV may be included in cancer registries.
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