A nurse is caring for a client who overdosed on morphine and has a respiratory rate of 6/min. Which medication should the nurse plan to administer?

A. Category A:
Medications classified as Category A are considered the safest during pregnancy. They have been well-studied in pregnant humans, and no risk to the fetus has been demonstrated. This classification means that adequate and well-controlled studies have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus in the first trimester and no risk in later trimesters.

B. Category C:
Category C medications have shown potential risks to the fetus in animal studies, and there are no well-controlled studies in humans. The benefits of the medication may outweigh the potential risks, but caution is advised. These medications are used when the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus.

C. Category X:
Category X medications are contraindicated in pregnancy due to evidence of fetal abnormalities or risks that outweigh any potential benefits. These medications have demonstrated clear evidence of harm to the fetus in both human and animal studies, and their use is not recommended during pregnancy.

D. Category B:
Category B medications have shown no risk to animal fetuses, but there is a lack of adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant humans. The absence of evidence of harm in animal studies suggests that these drugs are generally considered safe, though their effects on human fetuses are not well-documented.

A) Inject a volume of less than 2 mL: While it is generally recommended to inject a volume of less than 2 mL into the deltoid muscle to avoid discomfort and ensure proper absorption, this is not the primary action to focus on when planning the injection.

B) Inject the medication at a 90 degree angle: This is the correct action. Administering an intramuscular (IM) injection at a 90-degree angle ensures that the medication is delivered deep into the muscle tissue, which is necessary for proper absorption and effectiveness.

C) Inject the medication 12.7 cm (5 in) below the client’s acromion process: The correct injection site for the deltoid muscle is typically 2-3 finger widths (approximately 2.5-5 cm) below the acromion process, not 12.7 cm. Injecting too far below the acromion process could result in an incorrect injection site.

D) Use a 21-gauge needle for the injection: While a 21-gauge needle can be used for IM injections, the gauge of the needle is not the primary focus in this context. The angle of injection is more critical to ensure proper delivery of the medication.