A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving meperidine. Which of the following is the nurse's priority assessment before administering the medication?
Urinary retention
Vomiting
Respiratory rate
Level of consciousness
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["18.8"]
Explanation
To calculate the rate at which the IV pump should deliver dopamine, we can follow these steps:
Step 1: Convert the weight of the client from pounds to kilograms.
220 lb ÷ 2.2 = 100 kg (rounded to the nearest whole number)
Step 2: Calculate the total dose of dopamine per minute.
5 mcg/kg/min × 100 kg = 500 mcg/min
Step 3: Convert the dose from micrograms (mcg) to milligrams (mg).
500 mcg/min ÷ 1000 = 0.5 mg/min
Step 4: Determine the infusion rate in milliliters per hour (mL/hr).
The total volume of the solution is 250 mL.
The total dose of dopamine is 400 mg.
So, the infusion rate is (0.5 mg/min ÷ 400 mg) × 250 mL = 0.3125 mL/min.
Step 5: Convert the infusion rate from mL/min to mL/hr.
0.3125 mL/min × 60 min/hr = 18.75 mL/hr (rounded to the nearest tenth).
Therefore, the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver 18.8 mL/hr (rounded to the nearest tenth).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Lorazepam 2.5mg PO qhs before bed: This transcription suggests a fixed dose to be taken before bed (qhs = every bedtime), which does not align with the "as needed" or PRN (pro re nata) instruction for anxiety.
B. Lorazepam 2.5 mg PO QD at hs: This suggests that the medication should be taken once daily (QD) at bedtime (hs = at hour of sleep), which again is not appropriate for as-needed (PRN) use in anxiety.
C. Lorazepam 2.5 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for anxiety: This transcription correctly indicates that the lorazepam is to be taken as needed for anxiety, with a dose of 2.5 mg. However, this also suggests it can be taken every 8 hours, which is more of a standard timing than PRN use. But, it is still the most accurate option for a PRN order.
D. Lorazepam 2.50 mg PO Q 8 hours for anxiety:This prescription is incorrect because it implies the medication should be taken every 8 hours regardless of need, which conflicts with the as-needed (PRN) nature of the order.
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