A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes insipidus and has had a urinary output of 3,000 mL in the past 12 hr. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer to the client?

A. Reduced cravings: Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps suppress cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with opioid use disorder. By stabilizing opioid levels in the body, it prevents the compulsive drug-seeking behavior associated with addiction.

B. Somnolence: While methadone can cause sedation, excessive drowsiness is not a therapeutic effect but rather a side effect that may indicate the need for dose adjustment. Therapeutic use should allow normal functioning without excessive sedation.

C. Euphoria: Unlike short-acting opioids, methadone is formulated to prevent euphoria when taken at prescribed doses. Experiencing euphoria may indicate misuse or an excessively high dose rather than a therapeutic response.

D. Dilated pupils: Methadone, as an opioid agonist, typically causes pupil constriction (miosis) rather than dilation. Dilated pupils may indicate withdrawal or intoxication with other substances rather than therapeutic effects of methadone.

A. Infuse the unit of blood to the client over 6 hr: Blood transfusions should be completed within 4 hours to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and hemolysis. Prolonged infusion times increase the likelihood of complications such as infection or reduced efficacy of the transfused blood.

B. Prime the blood administration IV tubing with lactated Ringer’s: Blood products should only be primed and infused with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to prevent hemolysis and clot formation. Lactated Ringer’s contains calcium, which can cause clotting in the blood product, increasing the risk of complications.

C. Check the first set of vital signs 30 min after the blood infusion is started: The nurse should check the client’s vital signs before initiating the transfusion, then again within the first 15 minutes. The highest risk of transfusion reactions occurs within this period, requiring close monitoring for signs such as fever, chills, or hypotension.

D. Document the donation number of the unit of blood on the client’s electronic medical record: Accurate documentation of the blood unit’s donation number ensures traceability and accountability. This information is essential for tracking in case of transfusion reactions or recalls and is a standard safety practice in blood transfusion protocols.