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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypothermia. Hypothermia refers to a condition where the body temperature drops significantly below the normal range. However, in cases of acute opioid toxicity, the opposite effect is usually observed. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, leading to a decrease in the body's ability to regulate temperature, resulting in hyperthermia, not hypothermia.
Choice B reason:
Hypertension. Acute opioid toxicity typically causes respiratory depression, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure rather than hypertension. Opioids are central nervous system depressants that slow down the body's vital functions, including heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice C reason:
Diaphoresis. Diaphoresis is the medical term for excessive sweating. While it may occur in some cases of opioid toxicity due to the body's response to stress or increased sympathetic activity, it is not a specific and consistent finding. It is not as characteristic as other symptoms associated with opioid toxicity.
Choice D reason:
Mydriasis. Mydriasis refers to the dilation of the pupils. This is a hallmark sign of opioid toxicity. Opioids can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to pupillary constriction (miosis) in most cases. However, when opioid toxicity is severe or acute, the pupils may dilate, resulting in mydriasis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Birth weight has doubled.
Choice A reason:
The nurse should not expect a positive Babinski sign in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. The Babinski sign is a reflex seen in infants up to about 1 year of age and disappears as the nervous system matures. Its presence in a 4-year-old would be abnormal and may indicate neurological issues.
Choice B reason:
The nurse should not expect birth height to double in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. While children do experience significant growth in their early years, it is unlikely that birth height will have doubled by the age of 4. Doubling of birth height would be an atypical finding.
Choice C reason:
The correct choice. The nurse should expect that the child's birth weight has doubled during a well-child visit. From birth to age 4, children typically experience substantial weight gain, and doubling of birth weight is a common milestone in healthy development.
Choice D reason:
The nurse should not expect the presence of permanent teeth in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. Permanent teeth typically begin to emerge around 6 years of age and continue to erupt over the following years. The appearance of permanent teeth at age 4 would be premature and unusual.
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