A nurse is monitoring a client who received naloxone to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Increased temperature.
Decreased blood pressure.
Increased respiratory rate.
Report of decreased pain.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Increased temperature is not a direct indication of naloxone’s effectiveness. Naloxone works by reversing the effects of opioids, which do not typically include fever.
Choice B rationale:
While naloxone can cause an abrupt withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals, leading to symptoms such as hypertension, it does not typically decrease blood pressure in opioid overdose cases.
Choice C rationale:
Naloxone works by reversing the life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system caused by an opioid overdose. Therefore, an increased respiratory rate after administration would indicate that the medication is effective.
Choice D rationale:
Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids, including pain relief. Therefore, a report of decreased pain would not indicate that the medication is effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While it’s important for the provider to be informed if the medication isn’t working, it’s premature to change the medication after only 6 days.
Choice B rationale:
Amitriptyline does not need to be taken on an empty stomach to be effective.
Choice C rationale:
Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, often takes several weeks before a therapeutic effect is felt.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing the dose prematurely can lead to unnecessary side effects. It’s better to wait for the medication to take effect.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An apical pulse of 54/min is below the normal range for adults. Digoxin, a cardiac medication, can lower the heart rate. Therefore, it’s crucial to hold the medication if the resting pulse for an adult is less than 60 bpm. This is to prevent further lowering of the heart rate which could lead to bradycardia, a potentially dangerous condition.
Choice B rationale:
A respiratory rate of 14/min is within the normal adult range of 12-20 breaths per minute. This would not be a reason to withhold digoxin.
Choice C rationale:
A blood pressure (BP) of 179/89 mm Hg indicates hypertension, which is not a direct contraindication for digoxin. However, it’s important to monitor BP levels in clients taking digoxin as the medication can affect blood pressure.
Choice D rationale:
A temperature of 37.8° C (100° F) is slightly elevated but would not be a reason to withhold digoxin unless it’s indicative of an underlying infection that needs to be addressed first.
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