A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving epidural analgesia with buprenorphine (Buprenex). Which assessment finding would indicate that an adverse effect may be occurring?
Respiratory rate: 10 breaths/min
Blood pressure: 110/70 mm Hg
Heart rate: 72 beats/min
Temperature: 37°C.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A) Respiratory rate: 10 breaths/min. This indicates that the patient may be experiencing respiratory depression, which is a serious adverse effect of buprenorphine and other opioids.
Respiratory depression can lead to hypoxia, brain damage, or death if not treated promptly.
The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths/min.
Choice B) Blood pressure: 110/70 mm Hg is wrong because this is within the normal range for adults, which is 90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg. Buprenorphine can cause hypotension as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.
Choice C) Heart rate: 72 beats/min is wrong because this is also within the normal range for adults, which is 60 to 100 beats/min. Buprenorphine can cause bradycardia as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.
Choice D) Temperature: 37°C is wrong because this is the normal body temperature for humans. Buprenorphine can cause hyperthermia as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Avoid driving while taking this medication.The nurse should instruct the client to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin) because these medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired mental function.The nurse should also warn the client about the risk of addiction, overdose, and death from misuse of this medication.
Choice B is wrong because taking this medication on an empty stomach can increase the risk of nausea and vomiting.The nurse should advise the client to take this medication with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.
Choice C is wrong because increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamin K is not relevant to taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin).Vitamin K is involved in blood clotting and may interact with some anticoagulant medications, but not with this medication.
Choice D is wrong because limiting fluid intake to prevent fluid retention is not necessary for a client taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin).This medication does not cause fluid retention or edema.The nurse should encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B.Methadone blocks the euphoric effects of heroin and discourages its use.Methadone is a synthetic opioid analgesic that produces a cross-tolerance to other narcotics, thereby preventing the user from feeling the high of heroin.Methadone also reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings for heroin.
Choice A is wrong because methadone does not prevent withdrawal symptoms, but rather reduces them.
Choice C is wrong because methadone does not stimulate opioid receptors, but rather occupies them and blocks their activation by heroin.
Choice D is wrong because methadone does not reverse the respiratory depression caused by heroin overdose, but rather carries a risk of overdose itself.
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