A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine for pain. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

The correct answer is choice A. Persistent headache, B. Nausea and vomiting, C. Right epigastric pain, G. Proteinuria 2+, H. Deep tendon reflexes (DTR) 3+ bilaterally. Choice A rationale: Persistent headache is a significant symptom that can indicate increased intracranial pressure or other serious conditions, especially in a pregnant client. It requires follow-up to rule out complications such as preeclampsia. Choice B rationale: Nausea and vomiting, particularly when severe and persistent, can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. In the context of pregnancy, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Choice C rationale: Right epigastric pain is concerning as it can be indicative of liver involvement, which is a serious complication in pregnancy. This symptom needs immediate follow-up to assess for conditions such as HELLP syndrome. Choice D rationale: Slight facial edema can be a normal finding in pregnancy, but it can also be a sign of fluid retention associated with preeclampsia. However, on its own, it is not as critical as the other symptoms listed. Choice E rationale: A heart rate of 88/min is within the normal range for adults and does not typically require follow-up unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Choice F rationale: Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is elevated and concerning in pregnancy, but it is not included in the correct answers because the other symptoms are more directly indicative of severe complications. Choice G rationale: Proteinuria 2+ is a significant finding that suggests kidney involvement and is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. This requires immediate follow-up. Choice H rationale: Deep tendon reflexes (DTR) 3+ bilaterally are hyperactive and can indicate neurological irritability, which is a concerning sign in the context of preeclampsia. This finding needs follow-up to prevent complications such as seizures. Choice I rationale: Fundal height measurement of 26 cm at 30 weeks of gestation is below the expected range and may indicate intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or other issues, but it is not as immediately critical as the other findings listed.

Correct answer:

A. Have the child take a tub bath each morning: Warm tub baths are recommended for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as they help to relieve joint stiffness and pain, especially in the morning. The warm water can soothe the joints, making movement easier and reducing discomfort throughout the day.

Why the other options are less appropriate:

B. Apply splints to the child's extremities during the day: While splints may be used in JIA, they are typically applied during the night (resting splints) to maintain joint position and prevent contractures. Daytime use of splints (working splints) may be considered in certain situations, but generally, children are encouraged to be as active as possible during the day to maintain joint mobility.

C. Encourage the child to take naps during the day: While rest is important, encouraging too much rest during the day may contribute to joint stiffness. Regular activity helps maintain joint function and mobility, which is essential in managing JIA.Frequent daytime naps also interfere with the child's quality of sleep.

D. Keep the child on bedrest as long as pain persists: Prolonged bedrest is not recommended for children with JIA. It can lead to muscle atrophy, increased stiffness, and reduced joint mobility. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining activity within the child's pain tolerance and using pain management strategies.