A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant.

Nurses' Notes 1000:

The client reports repeated episodes of vomiting and two episodes of diarrhea in past 24 hr. Client is at 18 weeks of gestation and reports a history of nausea and vomiting for the past 12 weeks.

1015:

IV fluids initiated. Prochlorperazine administered via intermittent IV bolus.

1100:

Client reports improvement in nausea. Ice chips provided. Client voided 50 mL of dark yellow urine.

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the client.

For each discharge instruction, specify if each action is recommended or contraindicated for the client.

• A. Incorrect. Withholding pain medications for 24 hr after the old patch is removed is a harmful action that could cause severe withdrawal symptoms and uncontrolled pain for the client. The nurse should respect the client's right to refuse treatment and explore the reasons for their decision.
• B. Correct. Asking another nurse to witness the disposal of the new patch is a safe and legal action that follows the policies and procedures for handling controlled substances. The nurse should document the disposal of the new patch and report it to the appropriate authority.
• C. Incorrect. Sealing the patches in a plastic bag and placing them in the client's trash basket is an unsafe and illegal action that could lead to diversion, misuse, or accidental exposure of fentanyl to others. The nurse should dispose of the patches in a secure and designated container that prevents access by unauthorized persons.
• D. Incorrect. Sticking the two patches to each other and placing them in the sharps bin is an unsafe and improper action that could cause contamination, injury, or infection to others who handle or dispose of sharps waste. The nurse should dispose of the patches separately and carefully, avoiding contact with their adhesive surfaces.

Choice A rationale:

Irritability is a common withdrawal symptom in newborns exposed to cocaine during pregnancy. Cocaine exposure can lead to irritability, restlessness, and difficulty in consoling the newborn.

Choice B rationale:

Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is not a common finding associated with cocaine exposure in newborns. Cocaine exposure more commonly results in hypertonicity, where the muscles are tense and rigid.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased auditory startle response is not a typical finding associated with cocaine exposure. Newborns exposed to cocaine may have an exaggerated startle response, which is the opposite of the expected finding in this case.

Choice D rationale:

Increased head circumference is not a characteristic finding associated with cocaine exposure. Cocaine exposure is more likely to cause growth restriction, low birth weight, and microcephaly (small head size) in newborns.