A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed extended-release Morphine. The nurse should recognize which of the following assessment cues as an indication of opioid overdose?
Increased heart rate
Slow, shallow breathing
Constricted pupils
Increased motor activity
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Increased heart rate is not typically a sign of opioid overdose. Opioid overdose often leads to a decrease in the body's autonomic responses, which can cause a slowing of the heart rate rather than an increase.
Choice B reason:
Slow, shallow breathing is a hallmark sign of opioid overdose. Opioids can depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression. This is a critical symptom and requires immediate medical attention¹²³⁴.
Choice C reason:
Constricted pupils, also known as pinpoint pupils, are another classic sign of opioid overdose. This occurs due to the action of opioids on the part of the brain that regulates the size of the pupils¹²³⁴.
Choice D reason:
Increased motor activity is generally not associated with opioid overdose. Instead, opioids tend to cause a decrease in motor activity, leading to lethargy and a lack of coordination.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Respiratory depression/arrest is a well-documented risk associated with heroin use. Heroin is an opioid that can significantly depress the central nervous system, leading to slowed or stopped breathing. This can result in hypoxia, a condition where not enough oxygen reaches the brain, which can be fatal.
Choice B reason:
Acute pancreatitis is not typically associated directly with heroin use. While substance use can lead to various health complications, acute pancreatitis is more commonly associated with alcohol abuse rather than opioids like heroin.
Choice C reason:
Nasal septum perforation is a potential risk for individuals who snort heroin. The repeated irritation and damage to the mucosal tissues in the nose can lead to a perforation of the nasal septum, the tissue that separates the nasal passages.
Choice D reason:
Permanent short-term memory loss is not a commonly reported direct effect of heroin use. While chronic use of heroin can lead to cognitive deficits and deterioration of white matter in the brain, which affects decision-making and behavior regulation, it does not specifically cause permanent short-term memory loss.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Aspirin is not used to reverse the effects of opioids. It is an anti-inflammatory drug that can reduce pain and fever, but it does not have the capability to counteract opioid effects.
Choice B reason: Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It does not have the properties to reverse opioid overdoses and is not an antidote for opioids.
Choice C reason: Naloxone is the correct medication to reverse the effects of opioids. It is an opioid antagonist that can quickly restore normal breathing in a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids.
Choice D reason: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Like aspirin and acetaminophen, it does not reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
In conclusion, naloxone is the medication that is used to reverse the effects of opioids in the case of an overdose. It is a critical drug in emergency situations involving opioids and can save lives by reversing life-threatening respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. Healthcare providers should be prepared to administer naloxone and provide appropriate follow-up care after its use.
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