A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving diazepam as conscious sedation for an endoscopy, Which of the following antidotes should the nurse have on hand during the procedure?

The nurse should monitor the client receiving long-term treatment with oral doses of prednisone for the development of osteoporosis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can lead to decreased bone density and increase the risk of fractures. Prolonged use of prednisone can interfere with calcium absorption and increase bone resorption, leading to osteoporosis.

Hypoglycemia (A) is not a common adverse effect of prednisone. In fact, prednisone can cause hyperglycemia and increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Hyperreflexia (B) is not typically associated with prednisone use. Hyperreflexia is an exaggerated reflex response and is not a common adverse effect of corticosteroid therapy.

Inflammatory bowel disease (D) is not an adverse effect of prednisone. In fact, prednisone is often used as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease to reduce inflammation and symptoms.

Therefore, the nurse should primarily monitor the client for the development of osteoporosis when receiving long-term treatment with oral doses of prednisone.

A. Urinary retention: While urinary retention can be a side effect of meperidine and other opioids, it is not the priority assessment before administering the medication. Urinary retention is a concern but is not immediately life-threatening compared to other potential side effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression. Assessing urinary retention is important, but it is not the primary concern in this situation.

B. Vomiting: Vomiting can also be a side effect of opioids, including meperidine. While it is essential to assess for vomiting and its potential impact on the client's overall condition, it is not the priority assessment before administering the medication. Vomiting can be managed, and the nurse should address it as needed. However, the priority assessment is one that can affect the client's immediate safety and well-being, such as respiratory rate and potential respiratory depression.

C. Respiratory rate: This is the correct answer. The priority assessment before administering meperidine is the client's respiratory rate. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, leading to reduced breathing and inadequate ventilation. Monitoring the respiratory rate allows the nurse to detect any signs of respiratory distress or inadequate breathing, enabling them to intervene promptly to prevent serious complications.

D. Level of consciousness: While assessing the client's level of consciousness is essential for overall assessment and monitoring, it is not the priority assessment before administering meperidine. Respiratory depression due to opioid use can occur even when the client is conscious. However, if respiratory depression occurs, it can lead to a decrease in consciousness and potentially unconsciousness, making the assessment of respiratory rate more critical to prevent such complications.