A nurse is collecting data from an adolescent who is postoperative and is receiving morphine for pain. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Respiratory rate 10/min.
Bladder distention.
BP 108/64 mm Hg.
Nausea and vomiting.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The nurse's priority in this situation is the respiratory rate of 10/min. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is significantly low and could indicate respiratory depression, especially if the patient is receiving morphine, which is known to depress the respiratory system. This could lead to inadequate oxygenation, potential hypoxia, and other life-threatening complications.
Choice B reason:
Bladder distention may be a concern, but it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. Bladder distention can cause discomfort and urinary retention, but it is not an immediate life- threatening condition compared to potential respiratory depression.
Choice C reason:
A blood pressure of 108/64 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adolescent and may not be the nurse's priority at this time. Although it should be monitored, it does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life.
Choice D reason:
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of morphine administration, but they are not the nurse's priority in this situation. While they can cause distress and discomfort to the patient, they are not life-threatening conditions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C reason: The infant makes babbling sounds. At 6 months of age, it is typical for infants to engage in babbling sounds. Babbling is a significant milestone in language development during infancy. It involves the repetition of consonant-vowel combinations (e.g., "ba-ba,”. "ma-ma") and is an essential precursor to later language skills, such as forming words and sentences. The nurse should expect the 6-month-old infant to be making these babbling sounds as part of their normal development.
Choice A reason:
The infant has a pincer grasp. A pincer grasp is the ability to pick up small objects using the thumb and index finger. This fine motor skill typically develops around 9 to 12 months of age. At 6 months old, infants have not yet acquired the pincer grasp. Therefore, the nurse should not expect the 6-month-old infant to demonstrate this skill during the assessment.
Choice D reason:
The infant crawls on their hands and knees. Crawling is a gross motor skill that usually emerges between 7 to 10 months of age. While some infants may start crawling earlier or later, it is not a skill that is typically present in a 6-month-old. Therefore, the nurse should not anticipate the 6-month-old infant to be crawling on their hands and knees during the assessment.
Choice B reason:
The infant drops objects with the expectation of someone picking them up. This behavior, known as "object permanence,”. is a cognitive milestone that develops around 8 to 12 months of age. At 6 months old, infants have not yet fully developed this concept. They might drop objects as part of their exploratory behavior, but they do not yet understand the expectation of someone picking them up. Therefore, the nurse should not expect the 6- month-old infant to exhibit this specific behavior during the assessment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The nurse should not offer the child sips of clear liquids during a seizure. During a tonic-clonic seizure, the child's swallowing reflex may be impaired, and giving liquids could lead to aspiration or choking, causing further complications.
Choice B reason:
The nurse should not restrain the child during a seizure using both arms or any other means. Restraint can potentially lead to injury for both the child and the person attempting to restrain them. It is crucial to allow the child to move freely during the seizure to prevent harm.
Choice C reason:

Placing the child's head on a pillow is the correct choice. This positioning helps to protect the child's head from injury during the seizure. The pillow provides a cushioning effect, minimizing the risk of head trauma.
Choice D reason:
The nurse should not instruct the parent to give rectal diazepam to the child at the onset of the seizure unless specifically prescribed by the child's healthcare provider. Diazepam is a medication used to manage seizures, but its administration route and timing should be determined by the child's healthcare provider. Inappropriate use of medication can be dangerous and ineffective.
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