A postoperative client's respiratory rate decreased from 14 breaths/minute to 6 breaths/minute after administration of an opioid analgesic. Thirty minutes later, the client's respiratory rate decreases to 4 breaths/minute, and the nurse caring for the client notifies the healthcare provider and administers a dose of intravenous (IV) naloxone. The charge nurse should counsel the nurse regarding which intervention?
The initial administration of the analgesic.
The decision regarding when to call the healthcare provider.
The documentation of the client's respiratory rate.
The administration of naloxone via IV.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: The initial administration of the analgesic is not an intervention that the charge nurse should counsel the nurse about. The opioid analgesic was prescribed by the healthcare provider and was appropriate for the postoperative pain management of the client.
Choice B Reason: The decision regarding when to call the healthcare provider is an intervention that the charge nurse should counsel the nurse about. The nurse should have called the healthcare provider as soon as the client's
respiratory rate decreased to 6 breaths/minute, which is a sign of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Waiting for another 30 minutes until the respiratory rate decreased to 4 breaths/minute could have put the client at risk of hypoxia, brain damage, or death.
Choice C Reason: The documentation of the client's respiratory rate is not an intervention that the charge nurse should counsel the nurse about. The nurse documented the client's respiratory rate accurately and timely, which is part of the standard of care and legal responsibility of the nurse.
Choice D Reason: The administration of naloxone via IV is not an intervention that the charge nurse should counsel the nurse about. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids and restores normal respiration. Administering naloxone via IV is the fastest and most effective way to treat opioid-induced respiratory depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Waiting until the end of the second week to see if the orientee is able to complete her assignments is not the best action for the charge nurse to take. This would delay providing feedback and support to the orientee, who may feel frustrated and discouraged by her performance. The charge nurse should intervene as soon as possible to help the orientee improve her skills and confidence.
Choice B Reason: Assigning the orientee to work with an experienced nurse who is a long-time, efficient employee is the best action for the charge nurse to take. This would provide the orientee with a role model and a mentor who can guide her through the daily tasks, share tips and tricks, and offer constructive feedback and encouragement. The orientee would benefit from learning from someone who has mastered the workflow and expectations of the unit.
Choice C Reason: Informing the supervisor that for client safety this nurse should be assigned to a slower-paced unit is not the best action for the charge nurse to take. This would imply that the orientee is incompetent and unsuitable for the unit, which may damage her self-esteem and motivation. The charge nurse should first try to help the orientee adjust to the unit and develop her competencies before considering a transfer.
Choice D Reason: Talking to the orientee and asking her if she has considered working in a less stressful environment is not the best action for the charge nurse to take. This would suggest that the charge nurse has given up on the orientee and does not believe in her potential. The charge nurse should first try to understand the challenges and needs of the orientee and provide appropriate guidance and support before suggesting alternative career options.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Recording the patient's pulse volume distal to the IV site is a nursing assessment that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP.
Choice B Reason: Reapplying cold compresses to the site of the extravasation is a nursing intervention that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP.
Choice C Reason: Disposing of the IV tubing after the infusion is discontinued is a routine task that does not require clinical judgment and can be delegated to the UAP.
Choice D Reason: Teaching the patient about the need to keep the extremity elevated is a nursing intervention that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP.
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