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","D","E"]
Explanation
A. I will report nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea to my primary care provider.
Correct Understanding: This is correct. Reporting these symptoms is essential because illness, especially with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, can impact blood glucose levels.
B. I should avoid carbohydrates when I'm sick.
Need for Further Teaching: During illness, it's important to continue consuming carbohydrates. However, the type and amount of carbohydrates might need to be adjusted. Patients should consult their healthcare providers for guidance on managing carbohydrate intake during illness.
C. I should stop taking my insulin or oral antidiabetic agents.
Need for Further Teaching: It is not advisable to stop insulin or oral antidiabetic agents during illness. In fact, these medications often need to be continued, with potential adjustments made under the guidance of healthcare providers.
D. I will test my blood glucose and test urine ketones every 3 to 4 hours.
Correct Understanding: This is correct. Regular monitoring of blood glucose and urine ketones during illness is crucial for managing diabetes and detecting any potential complications.
E. I will continue taking my insulin or oral antidiabetic agents as usual.
Correct Understanding: This is correct. It's important to continue taking insulin or oral antidiabetic agents during illness to help manage blood glucose levels.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. I will inject my insulin by pinching up a large area of skin, and then inserting the needle.
The correct technique for subcutaneous insulin injection involves pinching a small area of skin (creating a skinfold) and inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle. Injecting into a large area might result in inadequate subcutaneous administration.
B. I can mix my regular acting insulin and my Lantus in the same syringe.
Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin that should not be mixed with other insulins. It should be administered separately to maintain its long-acting profile.
C. I can inject my insulin in the same location each time.
This statement is correct. Injecting insulin into the same general area consistently can help with consistent absorption.
D. I can use a needle/syringe more than once since I am the only one using it.
It is not safe to reuse needles or syringes. Single-use needles and syringes should be disposed of properly after each use to prevent infection and other complications.
E. I will discard my used syringes in a hard container, like an empty plastic milk jug.
This statement is correct. Used syringes should be discarded in a puncture-resistant container, and an empty plastic milk jug can serve as a suitable container for disposal.
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