A nurse is assessing a client who received an opioid narcotic for incisional pain. Which of the following findings is the priority?
Pain level
Pulse oximetry
Blood pressure
Level of sedation
The Correct Answer is D
A) Pain level:
While assessing pain is important to determine the effectiveness of the pain management, it is not the immediate priority after administering an opioid.
B) Pulse oximetry:
Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical as opioids can depress respiratory function. However, it is indirectly related to the primary effect of the medication on the central nervous system.
C) Blood pressure:
Monitoring blood pressure is important as opioids can cause hypotension, but it is not as critical as monitoring the level of sedation and respiratory status.
D) Level of sedation:
This is the priority because opioids can cause significant sedation and respiratory depression. Assessing the level of sedation helps determine if the client is at risk of further complications like respiratory arrest. Over-sedation can be a precursor to more serious complications, making this assessment crucial.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Propranolol is a beta-blocker medication commonly used to treat hypertension, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders. However, it is contraindicated in clients with a history of asthma or other obstructive airway diseases due to its potential to cause bronchoconstriction and exacerbate respiratory symptoms.
B. Migraines:
Propranolol is actually commonly used for the prophylactic treatment of migraines, particularly in individuals with frequent or severe migraines. It helps reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks by blocking the release of certain chemicals in the brain.
C. Glaucoma:
Propranolol can be used in the treatment of glaucoma, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective. It works by reducing intraocular pressure, which can help prevent vision loss associated with glaucoma.
D. Depression:
Propranolol is not contraindicated in clients with depression. In fact, it may sometimes be used off-label to manage certain symptoms of anxiety or performance anxiety. However, it is important to monitor clients with depression closely when prescribing propranolol, as it may interact with other medications used to treat depression or worsen certain depressive symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back."
Sleeping on the back can actually worsen obstructive sleep apnea because gravity can cause the tongue and soft tissues to obstruct the airway more easily. The recommended position to reduce apneic episodes is to sleep on the side.
B. "I’ll sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night."
Taking a sleeping pill can relax the muscles of the throat, which might worsen sleep apnea by increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep.
C. "If I could lose about 50 pounds, I might stop having so many apneic episodes."
Weight loss is a key factor in reducing the frequency and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can increase the risk of airway obstruction during sleep.
D. "I’ll get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night."
While a humidifier can make the air more comfortable to breathe, it does not directly reduce the number of apneic episodes. It might help with symptoms like dry mouth or nasal congestion but is not a primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
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