A nurse is assessing the coping strategies of a client who has recently retired.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates that the client is using compensation as a defense mechanism?

Choice A rationale:

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder being upset about a change in daily routine is concerning but does not present an immediate threat to their physical health or require urgent attention compared to a potential medical emergency like a sore throat.

Choice B rationale:

Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count. Sore throat could be an early sign of this serious adverse effect. Therefore, a client taking clozapine reporting a sore throat requires immediate evaluation to rule out agranulocytosis, which can progress rapidly if not addressed promptly.

Choice C rationale:

A client with narcissistic personality disorder mocking others during group therapy is disruptive and inappropriate behavior but does not require immediate attention unless it escalates into a situation that threatens the safety of others or the therapeutic environment.

Choice D rationale:

A client with depressive disorder requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) needs support and care, but this does not indicate an urgent situation. While assistance with ADLs is important for the client's well-being, it is not a priority over a potential medical emergency like agranulocytosis.

The correct answer is A. Increased pain.

Choice A reason: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that, when administered, reverses the effects of opioids. Since opioids provide analgesia, their reversal will lead to the return of pain sensation. The normal pain response varies widely among individuals and depends on the type and amount of opioid the patient received, as well as their pain threshold and tolerance.

Choice B reason: Somnolence, or drowsiness, is a common effect of opioid administration. Naloxone works by displacing opioids from their receptors, which should counteract the sedative effects of opioids and reduce somnolence. Therefore, after naloxone administration, the nurse should not expect somnolence as a finding.

Choice C reason: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a direct effect of naloxone administration. While some studies suggest that naloxone may affect blood glucose levels under certain conditions, such as in the case of tramadol overdose, it does not typically cause hyperglycemia. Normal blood glucose levels range from 70 to 99 mg/dL fasting, and up to 140 mg/dL two hours after eating.

Choice D reason: Hypoventilation, or reduced breathing rate and depth, is caused by opioid administration. Naloxone’s role is to reverse this effect, restoring normal breathing rates. The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute.