A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a toddler who has poor dietary intake. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Rationale:

• Opioid intoxication. The client was found unresponsive with a needle in the left antecubital space, suggesting recent intravenous drug use. The administration of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, further supports opioid intoxication as the likely condition. Additionally, the client presents with decreased level of consciousness, respiratory depression (respiratory rate of 10/min), and decreased bowel sounds, all of which are classic signs of opioid intoxication.
• Pupil characteristics
  The client’s pupils are miotic (constricted), which is a hallmark sign of opioid intoxication due to the drug’s effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. Opioids, particularly heroin and prescription narcotics, cause pinpoint pupils, which can help differentiate opioid intoxication from other conditions that may cause altered mental status.

Rationale for Incorrect Options:

• Opioid withdrawal is characterized by symptoms such as agitation, dilated pupils, diarrhea, and tachycardia, none of which are present in this client. Instead, the client exhibits signs of central nervous system depression rather than hyperactivity, making withdrawal unlikely.
• Hallucinogen intoxication typically presents with hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, and altered sensory perception. The client’s presentation does not include these findings, making hallucinogen intoxication an unlikely cause.
• Alcohol intoxication is associated with slurred speech, ataxia, and confusion, but the client’s history indicates only one beer was consumed, which is not enough to cause such profound central nervous system depression. The presence of a needle and response to naloxone further support opioid intoxication rather than alcohol intoxication.
• Alcohol withdrawal presents with symptoms such as tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, and agitation. The client is instead experiencing respiratory depression and sedation, which are inconsistent with alcohol withdrawal.

A. Ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication. Asking the provider to spell out the name of the medication is important to ensure accuracy and prevent medication errors. This step helps clarify any potential confusion regarding similar-sounding medications or names, reducing the risk of administering the wrong drug.
B. Withhold the medication until the provider signs the prescription. Withholding the medication until the provider signs the prescription is not necessary. Telephone prescriptions are valid and can be administered after being documented appropriately, provided that the nurse follows institutional policies regarding the signing of prescriptions. This means that the nurse should not delay necessary medication administration based on awaiting a signature.
C. Record the date and time of the telephone prescription. Recording the date and time of the telephone prescription is essential for accurate medical documentation. This information is critical for maintaining an accurate medication administration record and for legal purposes, ensuring that there is a clear timeline of the prescription order.
D. Request that the provider confirm the read-back of the prescription. Requesting that the provider confirm the read-back of the prescription is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy of the prescription. The read-back method helps confirm that the nurse understood the prescription correctly and prevents potential errors by allowing the provider to verify the information relayed.
E. Instruct another nurse to record the prescription in the medical record. Instructing another nurse to record the prescription in the medical record is not appropriate. The nurse who received the telephone prescription should document it to maintain accountability and ensure accurate record-keeping. This promotes responsible practice and avoids miscommunication regarding the prescription details.