A nurse is assessing an adult client who is receiving morphine via continuous IV infusion. The nurse should identify that which of the following is the priority finding?

A. “Ask a friend to dispose of the medication in a dumpster”: This is not a safe or recommended method for disposing of unused medications. Medications can be harmful or fatal if they are ingested by children, pets, or anyone for whom they were not prescribed.

B. “Dispose of unused prescription medications in the original packaging”: While it’s important to keep medications in their original packaging while they’re being used, this is not the best method for disposal. The original packaging often contains personal information that should not be shared, and it does not prevent accidental ingestion.

C. “Crush unused opioids and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag”: Crushing opioids can be dangerous as it can release a potentially lethal dose of the medication. It’s also not recommended to dispose of medications in the regular trash, even if they’re in a sealed bag, as they could still be accessed by children or pets.

D. “Mix unused medications in coffee grounds before disposing of them”: This is the recommended method for disposing of unused medications at home. By mixing medications with an unpalatable substance like coffee grounds, it discourages anyone from ingesting them. The mixture can then be placed in a sealed plastic bag and thrown away in the regular trash. This method helps to prevent accidental ingestion and protects client privacy.

A. “Decrease in respiratory rate”: This is the correct answer. Propofol, an anesthetic agent used during procedures like a colonoscopy, can cause respiratory depression, leading to a decrease in the respiratory rate. This is a serious side effect, and the nurse should monitor the client’s respiratory status closely.

B. “Increase in bowel function”: Propofol does not typically cause an increase in bowel function. Its primary effects are sedation and anesthesia, not stimulation of the gastrointestinal system.

C. “Decrease in body temperature”: While anesthesia can sometimes lead to hypothermia due to the body’s reduced ability to regulate temperature, a decrease in body temperature is not a common side effect of propofol specifically.

D. “Increase in heart rate”: Propofol typically has a depressant effect on the body’s systems, so it’s more likely to cause a decrease rather than an increase in heart rate. However, if the client experiences an adverse reaction or anxiety, an increased heart rate could occur. But this is not a typical response to propofol.