A nurse is collecting data from the guardian of a toddler during a well-child visit. The guardian expresses concern to the nurse because his child has a poor appetite, but drinks a quart of milk each day.

The nurse should identify that this practice places the toddler at risk for which of the following conditions?

Answer: (C) The client is not grimacing

Rationale:

A) The client's blood pressure has been reduced:

While morphine can lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects, a reduction in blood pressure is not necessarily a primary indicator of a therapeutic response to pain relief. It is more important to assess pain relief directly through the client's subjective experience and behavior rather than focusing on vital signs alone.

B) The client exhibits diaphoresis:

Diaphoresis, or sweating, can occur as a side effect of morphine administration but does not indicate that the medication is effectively relieving pain. In fact, diaphoresis might signal an adverse reaction or discomfort rather than a therapeutic effect.

C) The client is not grimacing:

The absence of grimacing suggests that the client's pain has decreased, which is a direct indicator of a therapeutic response to morphine. Observing a reduction in pain-related behaviors, such as grimacing, is a key assessment for determining the effectiveness of pain management in postoperative clients.

D) The client has an elevated heart rate:

An elevated heart rate may be a sign of unresolved pain or a side effect of morphine but is not a clear indicator of pain relief. Effective pain management with morphine typically results in a decrease in sympathetic nervous system responses, such as a high heart rate, rather than an increase.

b. "You can use an adhesive remover when changing the colostomy skin barrier."

The nurse should inform the client that they can use an adhesive remover when changing the colostomy skin barrier. Adhesive removers are helpful in gently removing the adhesive residue left behind by the previous ostomy appliance. This can make the process of changing the colostomy skin barrier more comfortable for the client and help prevent skin irritation or damage.

Explanation for the other options:

a. "You should scrub the skin around the colostomy when cleaning." Scrubbing the skin around the colostomy can be harsh and may cause skin irritation or damage. It is recommended to clean the peristomal skin gently using mild soap and water, followed by thorough drying.

c. "You will need a device to suction stool from the colostomy bag." Suctioning stool from the colostomy bag is not a routine procedure for colostomy care. Colostomy bags are designed to collect stool, and emptying the bag as needed is the appropriate method of management.

d. "You should empty the colostomy bag when it is three-fourths full." The timing of emptying the colostomy bag may vary for each individual. It is generally recommended to empty the colostomy bag when it is one-third to one-half full to prevent leakage or discomfort. The client should be educated on monitoring the bag and emptying it as necessary based on their own output and comfort level.