A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is postoperative and received morphine via IV bolus for pain 10 min ago.
Which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority?
Euphoria
Bradypnea
Constipation
Constipation
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B, bradypnea. Bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing, which can be a sign of life-threatening respiratory depression caused by morphine. Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of morphine and can lead to coma and death if not treated promptly. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the child’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation closely and be prepared to administer naloxone, an opioid antagonist, if needed.
Choice A, euphoria, is wrong because euphoria is a feeling of intense happiness or well-being that is a common side effect of morphine.
Euphoria is not a priority finding and does not indicate a serious complication of morphine.
Choice C, constipation, is wrong because constipation is a common and chronic side effect of morphine that affects the gastrointestinal system.
Constipation can cause discomfort and complications such as bowel obstruction, but it is not a priority finding compared to respiratory depression.
Choice D, sedation, is wrong because sedation is another common side effect of morphine that affects the central nervous system.
Sedation can impair the child’s level of consciousness and ability to respond to stimuli, but it is not as urgent as respiratory depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"Plan to take this medication with food." Is the correct statement. When providing instructions to an older adult client who has a seizure disorder and is prescribed phenytoin (an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medication), the nurse should advise the client to take the medication with food. Phenytoin can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and taking it with food can help minimize this side effect.
Choice B reason:
"Plan to take this medication with antacids. “is not the appropriate instruction. Phenytoin should not be taken with antacids. Antacids can reduce the absorption of phenytoin, leading to decreased effectiveness of the medication. If antacids are needed for other reasons, they should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking phenytoin.
Choice C reason:
"Limit foods that contain vitamin D while taking this medication. “This is not inappropriate instruction. There is no specific requirement to limit foods containing vitamin D while taking phenytoin. However, phenytoin may decrease the absorption of vitamin D, which could potentially affect the client's vitamin D levels. Therefore, it is essential for the client to have regular check-ups and possibly discuss the need for vitamin D supplementation with their healthcare provider.
Choice D reason:
"Limit foods that contain folic acid while taking this medication. “This is not the correct statement. Phenytoin can interfere with the absorption of folic acid (a B-vitamin). Long-term use of phenytoin may lead to folic acid deficiency. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to consume foods rich in folic acid and discuss the potential need for folic acid supplementation with their healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason
The anterior fontanel is open is the correct answer. An expected finding in an 8-month-old infant is that the anterior fontanel (the soft spot on the top of the baby's head) is open. The fontanelles are spaces between the bones of an infant's skull that allow for the baby's brain to grow and the skull to mould during birth.
The anterior fontanel typically remains open until the baby is around 18 to 24 months old, with the closure process starting sometime after 9 months of age. Therefore, at 8 months of age, it is normal for the anterior fontanel to still be open.
Choice B reason:
Both fontanels are the same size is incorrect. Both fontanels are usually not the same size. The anterior fontanel is larger and diamond-shaped, while the posterior fontanel is smaller and triangular.
Choice C reason:
The posterior fontanel is open is incorrect. The posterior fontanel, located at the back of the baby's head, usually closes earlier than the anterior fontanel. It typically closes within the first few months after birth, so it is not expected to be open at 8 months of age.
Choice D reason
Both fontanels show molding is incorrect. Molding refers to the temporary shaping of the baby's head during birth due to the pressure exerted during the passage through the birth canal. By 8 months of age, the molding typically resolves, and the baby's head should have a more rounded appearance.
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