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 {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A,B"},"F":{"answers":"A,B"}}
Explanation
- Fever: Fever is a nonspecific but common symptom found in all three conditions—epiglottitis, RSV, and streptococcal pharyngitis. However, it is more severe and abrupt in epiglottitis and low to moderate in RSV and strep throat. In this case, the toddler has had a persistent fever over 38°C, consistent with both RSV and strep.
- Exudate on pharynx: Pharyngeal exudate is a hallmark sign of acute streptococcal pharyngitis, resulting from the inflammatory response to GABHS. It is not typical in RSV or epiglottitis, where erythema and swelling may occur but without purulent exudate.
- Wheezing upon auscultation: Wheezing is a classic sign of RSV, a lower respiratory viral infection leading to bronchiolitis and airway obstruction. It is not a feature of epiglottitis or strep throat, which involve the upper airway and oropharynx, respectively.
- Drooling: Drooling is strongly associated with epiglottitis, due to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis which makes it painful and difficult to swallow. It is not typical in RSV or strep pharyngitis unless there is severe oral involvement or dehydration.
- Hypoxia: Hypoxia may occur in both epiglottitis and RSV due to airway obstruction or inflammation compromising oxygenation. In epiglottitis, it results from upper airway narrowing; in RSV, from lower airway inflammation and mucus plugging. It is not common in uncomplicated streptococcal pharyngitis.
- Tachypnea: Tachypnea is a sign of respiratory distress and is often present in both epiglottitis and RSV, as the body attempts to compensate for impaired gas exchange. It is not a primary feature of strep pharyngitis unless accompanied by systemic infection or high fever.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Ketorolac. This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in clients with a history of peptic ulcer disease. It should be avoided in this population.
B. Aspirin. Aspirin is also an NSAID and can irritate the gastric lining, increasing the risk of ulceration and bleeding. It is contraindicated in clients with peptic ulcers.
C. Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is the safest option for clients with peptic ulcer disease because it does not affect the gastric mucosa. It provides effective relief for mild to moderate pain, including headaches.
D. Ibuprofen. Like ketorolac and aspirin, ibuprofen is an NSAID and is not recommended for clients with peptic ulcers due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding.
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