A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage kidney disease and refuses further hemodialysis treatments. The client has advance directives that indicate no life-sustaining treatments. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale:

A. Prolonged QT interval: This is not a typical sign of morphine toxicity. QT prolongation is more commonly associated with certain antipsychotics, antiarrhythmics, or methadone, not opioids like morphine.

B. Fluid retention: Morphine does not typically cause fluid retention. While it may contribute to urinary retention, generalized fluid accumulation is not characteristic of opioid toxicity and may point to other causes like heart or renal failure.

C. Bradypnea: Respiratory depression, including bradypnea, is the hallmark sign of opioid toxicity. Morphine suppresses the brainstem’s respiratory centers, reducing respiratory rate and depth, which can become life-threatening without intervention.

D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes: Opioids tend to cause central nervous system depression, which would more likely lead to diminished reflexes. Hyperactive reflexes are not associated with morphine toxicity and may suggest a different neurological issue.

Rationale:

A. Check the label of the medication twice prior to administration: Safe medication practice requires the nurse to check the medication label three times, when retrieving, preparing, and before administering to minimize the risk of medication errors.

B. Use two identifiers to verify the client's identity: Using two patient identifiers, such as name and date of birth, ensures the medication is given to the correct individual. This step is crucial for patient safety and is a core component of safe medication administration practices.

C. Document administration of the client's routine medications at the beginning of the shift: Medications should only be documented after they have been administered. Pre-charting medication administration can lead to errors if the medication is delayed, omitted, or refused.

D. Ensure the medication is administered within 3 hr of the scheduled time: Medications are typically required to be administered within 30 minutes to 1 hour of the scheduled time unless otherwise specified. A 3-hour window is too broad and may compromise therapeutic effectiveness.