A patient is post-op from knee surgery. The patient has been receiving Morphine 4 mg IV every 2 hours. The nurse notices the patient is exhibiting a respiratory rate of 8 and is extremely drowsy. Which of the following conditions is the patient at risk for?
Respiratory acidosis
Hypokalemia
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Respiratory acidosis:
This occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the respiratory system. In the case of the patient post-op from knee surgery receiving Morphine, the opioid can cause respiratory depression, leading to the retention of CO2 and the development of respiratory acidosis. Signs include a decreased respiratory rate and drowsiness.
B. Hypokalemia:
This is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. While opioids can cause constipation, they are not directly associated with hypokalemia.
C. Metabolic acidosis:
This occurs when there is an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate, leading to an imbalance in the body's acid-base status. The symptoms of metabolic acidosis are not typically associated with opioid use.
D. Respiratory alkalosis:
This occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Opioids, especially in higher doses, are more likely to cause respiratory depression and acidosis rather than alkalosis. The patient's low respiratory rate and drowsiness are indicative of respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "If a vial of insulin will be used up within 21 days, it may be kept at room temperature."
This statement suggests a duration of up to 21 days for room temperature storage after the vial is in use. However, most insulins can typically be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days after initial use. This recommendation might be more conservative than necessary for many types of insulin.
B. "If a vial of insulin will be used up within 2 weeks, it may be kept at room temperature."
This choice suggests a timeframe of 14 days for room temperature storage after opening the vial. However, for many insulins, the recommended duration for room temperature storage after opening is up to 28 days.
C. "If you are going to use up the vial within 1 month, it can be kept at room temperature."
This option extends the timeframe to 1 month for room temperature storage after the vial is in use. However, the generally recommended duration for many insulins is up to 28 days after opening.
D. "If a vial of insulin will be used up within 1 week, it may be kept at room temperature."
This choice suggests a very short duration of 7 days for room temperature storage after opening the vial. Most insulins can typically be stored at room temperature for a longer duration after initial use.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis:
This occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the respiratory system. In the case of the patient post-op from knee surgery receiving Morphine, the opioid can cause respiratory depression, leading to the retention of CO2 and the development of respiratory acidosis. Signs include a decreased respiratory rate and drowsiness.
B. Hypokalemia:
This is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. While opioids can cause constipation, they are not directly associated with hypokalemia.
C. Metabolic acidosis:
This occurs when there is an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate, leading to an imbalance in the body's acid-base status. The symptoms of metabolic acidosis are not typically associated with opioid use.
D. Respiratory alkalosis:
This occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Opioids, especially in higher doses, are more likely to cause respiratory depression and acidosis rather than alkalosis. The patient's low respiratory rate and drowsiness are indicative of respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
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