A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine intravenously. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing morphine toxicity?
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Fluid retention
Prolonged QT interval
Bradypnea
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes are not linked to morphine toxicity. Morphine, an opioid, depresses the central nervous system, reducing reflexes. Hyperactive reflexes suggest neurological or stimulant effects, not opioid overdose, which primarily causes respiratory and consciousness depression in affected clients.
Choice B reason: Fluid retention is not a primary sign of morphine toxicity. Morphine may cause urinary retention via sphincter tone increase, but fluid overload is unrelated. Toxicity manifests as respiratory depression or sedation, driven by mu-opioid receptor overstimulation, not fluid balance alterations.
Choice C reason: Prolonged QT interval is associated with medications like antiarrhythmics, not morphine. Morphine toxicity primarily causes respiratory depression and sedation via central nervous system effects. Cardiac effects are rare, and QT prolongation is not a hallmark of opioid overdose in clinical settings.
Choice D reason: Bradypnea indicates morphine toxicity, as opioids depress the brainstem’s respiratory center via mu-receptor overstimulation. This slows breathing, risking hypoxia and respiratory arrest, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate intervention like naloxone to reverse opioid effects and restore normal respiratory function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Instructing pregnant visitors to stay 3 feet away is insufficient, as radiation from a sealed implant requires greater distance (typically 6 feet) or complete avoidance. Pregnant individuals should not visit to minimize fetal exposure, making this precaution inadequate and incorrect for safety.
Choice B reason: Wearing a lead apron shields the nurse from radiation exposure during close contact with the sealed implant, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles. This protects the nurse while providing care, making it a necessary and correct safety measure.
Choice C reason: Placing the client in a semi-private room is unsafe, as radiation from the implant could expose other patients. A private room is required to minimize radiation risk to others, making this action incorrect and against radiation safety protocols.
Choice D reason: Closing the client’s door reduces radiation exposure to others outside the room, as sealed implants emit continuous radiation. This containment measure, combined with signage, ensures safety for staff and visitors, making it a correct and essential action.
Choice E reason: Limiting visitors to 30 minutes per day minimizes cumulative radiation exposure, protecting visitors from the sealed implant’s emissions. Time restrictions are standard in radiation safety protocols, ensuring minimal risk while allowing controlled visits, making this a correct action.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Avoiding reading for 3 months is not a standard instruction post-retinal detachment surgery. Reading may be restricted temporarily (e.g., 1-2 weeks) if specific positioning is required, but 3 months is excessive. Patients are typically advised to avoid straining, not reading, making this instruction incorrect.
Choice B reason: Bending at the waist increases intraocular pressure, which can disrupt retinal repair and lead to re-detachment. Patients should bend at the knees to avoid straining the eye. This instruction is harmful and contraindicated, as it risks complications in the healing retina.
Choice C reason: Lifting objects up to 50 pounds is dangerous post-retinal surgery, as heavy lifting increases intraocular pressure, risking re-detachment. Guidelines typically restrict lifting to 10-20 pounds during recovery (4-6 weeks). This instruction is incorrect, as it poses a significant risk to surgical outcomes.
Choice D reason: Taking a stool softener daily prevents straining during bowel movements, which can increase intraocular pressure and disrupt retinal healing. Constipation is a concern post-surgery due to immobility or pain medications, and stool softeners ensure safe bowel movements, making this the correct instruction.
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