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) Parenteral medications are avoided due to fragility of veins: While it is true that older adults may have fragile veins, this does not mean that parenteral medications are universally avoided. Parenteral medications are still used based on clinical needs, though careful consideration is given to the condition of the veins.

B) Older adults are at risk for drug toxicity due to accumulation in the body: This is correct. As people age, their liver and kidney functions often decline, leading to decreased metabolism and excretion of drugs. This can result in drug accumulation and an increased risk of toxicity.

C) The elderly population is susceptible to polypharmacy: This is correct. Older adults often take multiple medications for various chronic conditions, increasing the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and complications. Polypharmacy is a common issue in this population.

D) Medication metabolism tends to be faster in older adults: This is incorrect. Medication metabolism generally slows down in older adults due to decreased liver function. Slower metabolism can lead to drug accumulation and increased risk of adverse effects.

E) Older adults have delayed absorption: This is correct. Although the rate of absorption may not be significantly affected, the overall absorption can be altered due to changes in gastrointestinal function and blood flow in older adults.

A) Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression. Given that the client has overdosed on morphine and is exhibiting a critically low respiratory rate of 6/min, naloxone is the appropriate medication to administer to reverse the effects of morphine and restore normal breathing.

B) Flumazenil: Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose. It is not effective for opioid overdoses, such as those caused by morphine.

C) Protamine: Protamine is used to reverse the effects of heparin, an anticoagulant, and is not relevant in the context of opioid overdose. It does not address the respiratory depression caused by morphine.

D) Epinephrine: Epinephrine is used in cases of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions and is not appropriate for reversing opioid overdose. It would not address the respiratory depression caused by morphine overdose.