A nurse is reviewing the medication administration record for a client who has cancer and is receiving morphine via a PCA pump. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider?

A) Respirations deep at a rate of 10/min: This finding indicates respiratory depression, which is a significant concern with morphine administration. Respiratory depression can lead to hypoxia and respiratory arrest, posing a life-threatening situation for the client. Therefore, it is the priority finding that requires immediate intervention, such as reducing the dose of morphine, administering naloxone (an opioid antagonist), or providing respiratory support.

B) Urinary output of 20 mL within 1 hr: While decreased urinary output may indicate potential renal impairment or dehydration, it is not as immediately life-threatening as respiratory depression. However, it should still be monitored and addressed appropriately.

C) Vomiting 30 mL of fluid: Vomiting can be a side effect of morphine but may not require immediate intervention unless it leads to aspiration or dehydration. Nonetheless, it should be closely monitored for complications.

D) Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg: Hypotension can occur as a side effect of morphine due to its vasodilatory effects. While low blood pressure should be addressed, it is not as immediately life-threatening as respiratory depression. Monitoring and appropriate interventions, such as fluid administration or adjusting the dose of morphine, can be implemented to manage hypotension.

A) Monitor the client for seizure activity: While diazepam is an anticonvulsant medication and may be used to prevent or treat seizures, it is unlikely to cause seizure activity as an adverse reaction when administered for moderate sedation. However, if the client has a history of seizures or is at risk for seizures, monitoring for seizure activity is essential. In the context of moderate sedation, the primary concern is related to the sedative effects of diazepam rather than seizure activity.

B) Check the client's urinary output: Monitoring urinary out’ut is important for assessing renal function and fluid balance, but it is not directly related to assessing adverse reactions to diazepam. Adverse reactions to diazepam typically involve central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, or cardiovascular effects. Monitoring urinary output may be part of routine nursing care but is not specific to assessing adverse reactions to diazepam.

C) Monitor the client's oxygen saturation: This is the correct’action. Monitoring the client's oxygen saturation is essential for det’cting adverse reactions to diazepam, such as respiratory depression or hypoventilation. Diazepam can cause respiratory depression, especially when administered in higher doses or in combination with other sedative medications. Monitoring oxygen saturation allows the nurse to detect any signs of hypoxemia early and intervene promptly to ensure adequate oxygenation.

D) Auscultate the client's bowel sounds: While assessing bowel so’nds is important for evaluating gastrointestinal function, it is not directly related to assessing adverse reactions to diazepam. Adverse reactions to diazepam typically involve effects on the central nervous system and respiratory system rather than gastrointestinal function. Monitoring bowel sounds may be part of routine nursing assessment but is not specific to assessing adverse reactions to diazepam.