A nurse is assigned to care for a client diagnosed with autoimmune or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). When reviewing the client's plan of care prior to caring for the client, the nurse should recognize that the priority concern in caring for the client is to monitor for:

The correct answer is: c. Prepare the client for intubation.

Choice A: Prepare to administer a vasopressor

Reason: Vasopressors are typically used to manage hypotension (low blood pressure) and are not a standard treatment for myasthenic crisis. Myasthenic crisis primarily involves respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure, rather than issues with blood pressure.

Choice B: Administer an anticholinesterase medication

Reason: While anticholinesterase medications like pyridostigmine are used to manage myasthenia gravis, they are generally not recommended during a myasthenic crisis. During a crisis, the focus is on stabilizing the patient, often requiring more immediate interventions such as intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Choice C: Prepare the client for intubation

Reason: Intubation is a critical intervention in a myasthenic crisis due to the risk of respiratory failure. The crisis is characterized by severe muscle weakness, including the muscles that control breathing. Intubation ensures that the airway is protected and that the patient can receive adequate ventilation.

Choice D: Instruct the client to perform pursed lip breathing

Reason: Pursed lip breathing is a technique used to improve breathing efficiency in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is not appropriate for managing a myasthenic crisis, where the primary issue is severe muscle weakness leading to respiratory failure.

Choice A: Sleepy, but arousing when the name is called
Feeling sleepy after receiving morphine is a common side effect. However, the fact that the client can be aroused when their name is called suggests that this is not necessarily an adverse effect.
The nurse should continue monitoring the client but may not consider this as a significant adverse reaction.

Choice B: Pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10
Pain relief is one of the intended effects of morphine. Therefore, experiencing pain reduction is not an adverse effect.
The nurse would likely view this as a positive response to the medication.

Choice C: Respiratory rate of 8/min
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is significantly low and indicates respiratory depression, which is a serious adverse effect of morphine.
The nurse should be concerned about this finding and take appropriate action.

Choice D: SaO2 94%
An oxygen saturation (SaO2) level of 94% is within the normal range (usually 95% or higher). It is unlikely to be directly related to morphine administration.
While this value is not concerning, the nurse should continue monitoring the client's oxygen saturation.