A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving methadone therapy as treatment for an opioid use disorder. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing the therapeutic effects of this medication?
Reduced cravings
Somnolence
Euphoria
Dilated pupils
The Correct Answer is A
A. Reduced cravings: Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps suppress cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with opioid use disorder. By stabilizing opioid levels in the body, it prevents the compulsive drug-seeking behavior associated with addiction.
B. Somnolence: While methadone can cause sedation, excessive drowsiness is not a therapeutic effect but rather a side effect that may indicate the need for dose adjustment. Therapeutic use should allow normal functioning without excessive sedation.
C. Euphoria: Unlike short-acting opioids, methadone is formulated to prevent euphoria when taken at prescribed doses. Experiencing euphoria may indicate misuse or an excessively high dose rather than a therapeutic response.
D. Dilated pupils: Methadone, as an opioid agonist, typically causes pupil constriction (miosis) rather than dilation. Dilated pupils may indicate withdrawal or intoxication with other substances rather than therapeutic effects of methadone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Palpate the dorsalis pedis pulse: Assessing distal pulses ensures adequate circulation to the affected extremity. Impaired blood flow can indicate compartment syndrome or vascular compromise, which are serious complications following fracture stabilization. The nurse should also monitor capillary refill, skin temperature, and sensation.
B. Maintain the affected extremity in a dependent position: Keeping the extremity in a dependent position can increase swelling and venous congestion, leading to complications such as compartment syndrome. Elevation is recommended to minimize edema and promote venous return.
C. Wrap sterile gauze on the sharp point of the pins: The pin sites should be left uncovered to allow for proper monitoring of signs of infection or loosening. Instead, pin site care should be performed per facility protocol to reduce infection risk.
D. Adjust the clamps on the fixator frame: Adjusting the external fixator clamps is outside the nurse's scope of practice. Any modifications to the device should be performed by the orthopedic provider to prevent improper alignment and complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Closing the inline clamp is necessary when the catheter is not in use to prevent air embolism, but it is not a required step before administering medication. The nurse should focus on flushing and checking for patency before medication administration.
B. Flushing the catheter with 10 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride before and after medication administration helps maintain patency, prevents occlusion, and ensures the catheter is functioning properly. This step is essential to avoid complications such as clot formation.
C. Applying a local anesthetic is not needed for routine medication administration through a nontunneled percutaneous central catheter. Anesthetic use is typically reserved for procedures like catheter insertion or painful dressing changes.
D. Donning sterile gloves is not required for medication administration through a central line. Clean gloves are sufficient, while sterile technique is reserved for dressing changes and catheter insertions.
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