A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED)
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Rationale for correct choices:
- Opioid intoxication: The client exhibits classic signs of opioid overdose, including shallow respirations, bradypnea, bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, slurred speech, and constricted pupils. These findings, combined with a history of oxycodone use, indicate opioid intoxication requiring immediate intervention.
- Obtain a prescription for naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the respiratory depression, sedation, and other life-threatening effects of opioid overdose. Timely administration can prevent respiratory failure and death.
- Prepare to initiate mechanical ventilation: The client’s respiratory rate is critically low (10/min) with oxygen saturation at 90%, indicating inadequate ventilation. Mechanical ventilation may be required to maintain oxygenation and prevent hypoxia while naloxone takes effect.
- Pupillary reaction: Monitoring pupillary constriction or dilation helps assess the client’s response to opioid reversal therapy and can indicate ongoing central nervous system depression or improvement.
- Respiratory rate: Continuous monitoring of respiratory rate is essential because hypoventilation is the most immediate life-threatening effect of opioid intoxication. Changes indicate whether interventions like naloxone or ventilation are effective.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
- Alcohol intoxication: Although the client has a history of alcohol use disorder, the current symptoms of miosis, hypoventilation, and hypotension are more consistent with opioid toxicity rather than acute alcohol intoxication.
- Opioid withdrawal: Withdrawal presents with agitation, tachypnea, hypertension, dilated pupils, diaphoresis, and GI upset. This client’s bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoventilation indicate intoxication, not withdrawal.
- Stimulant intoxication: Stimulant overdose typically presents with hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and agitation. The client’s hypotension, bradycardia, and CNS depression are inconsistent with stimulant use.
- Anticipate administering clonidine: Clonidine is used for opioid withdrawal management, not acute intoxication. Administering it in this scenario would not address the life-threatening hypoventilation or CNS depression.
- Collect a blood sample for ethanol level: While it may be helpful for history, ethanol testing does not address the immediate life-threatening opioid overdose and is not a priority intervention.
- Obtain prescription for restraints: There is no indication for restraints. The client’s symptoms are due to CNS depression, and restraints would not improve their condition and could worsen injury risk.
- Hyperreflexia: This is a sign of opioid withdrawal or CNS stimulant activity, not opioid intoxication. The client’s deep tendon reflexes are decreased, consistent with CNS depression.
- Cardiac arrhythmias: While arrhythmias can occur, there is no evidence in this assessment of dysrhythmias. Monitoring vital signs and oxygenation is more immediately critical.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Irrigate a client's incision: Wound irrigation is a sterile procedure that requires nursing judgment and skill to prevent infection and assess wound healing. This task should not be delegated to assistive personnel.
B. Determine a client's pain level: Assessing pain requires clinical judgment to interpret subjective and objective findings and evaluate the need for interventions. This responsibility remains with the licensed nurse.
C. Insert a nasogastric tube: Insertion of a nasogastric tube is an invasive procedure that requires nursing knowledge and technical skill to ensure proper placement and prevent complications. It is not within the scope of assistive personnel.
D. Provide postmortem care: Postmortem care is a noninvasive task that involves preparing the body, performing hygiene, and maintaining dignity. It falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel and can be safely delegated.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Discuss the client's preferences for determining a repositioning schedule: While involving the client in care planning is important, the schedule for repositioning is primarily determined by clinical needs to prevent complications such as pressure injuries, not solely by preference.
B. Evaluate the client's ability to help with repositioning: Assessing the client’s strength, mobility, and coordination after a stroke determines the level of assistance and equipment required. This ensures safety for both the client and the nurse during repositioning.
C. Raise the side rails of the client’s bed during repositioning: Side rails can create entrapment hazards if used incorrectly and should not be relied upon during repositioning. Their purpose is more for safety positioning after the move, not as a primary tool during the maneuver.
D. Reposition the client with the assistive devices: Assistive devices should be used if needed, but this step follows an assessment of the client’s capabilities. Selecting equipment without first evaluating the client may lead to unnecessary interventions.
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