Exhibits

The nurse is preparing to discharge the client. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching? Select all that apply.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Opioid intoxication: The client's decreased respiratory rate, drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, and positive response to naloxone are all indicative of opioid intoxication. These features, along with the presence of a needle in the antecubital space, strongly support recent opioid use and CNS depression.
• Pupil characteristics: Miotic pupils, or pinpoint pupils, are a classic physical sign of opioid intoxication. They occur due to opioid stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, and in a sedated client with a history of injection drug use, they confirm the likelihood of opioid overdose.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Alcohol intoxication: Alcohol intoxication usually presents with disinhibition, unsteady gait, slurred speech, and potentially aggressive or inappropriate behavior. The client’s severe sedation, low respiratory rate, and constricted pupils are not typical features of alcohol intoxication, especially with only one beer reported.
• Alcohol withdrawal: Alcohol withdrawal manifests with symptoms like tremors, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and autonomic instability (tachycardia, hypertension). This client is sedated with bradypnea and hypotension, which are incompatible with alcohol withdrawal and more suggestive of CNS depression.
• Opioid withdrawal: Opioid withdrawal is marked by agitation, anxiety, mydriasis, vomiting, diarrhea, and piloerection. In contrast, this client is drowsy, has decreased bowel sounds, and constricted pupils, pointing toward active opioid intoxication rather than withdrawal.
• Amount of alcohol consumed: The report from EMS indicates the client consumed only one beer, which is insufficient to explain the severity of the symptoms. Minimal alcohol intake also makes both intoxication and withdrawal from alcohol highly unlikely as the primary issue.
• Current temperature: The client’s current temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within normal limits and does not support any particular diagnosis. It neither confirms nor excludes opioid or alcohol intoxication or withdrawal and is not a defining clinical sign in this context.
• Breath sounds: Breath sounds are equal and clear, offering no abnormal findings to support or contradict a diagnosis. While important for general assessment, they are not specific indicators for opioid intoxication or withdrawal and thus are less relevant than pupil changes.

Rationale:

A. SpO₂: Although 88% is low for the general population, it is often an acceptable baseline for clients with COPD. Their oxygen saturation targets are typically between 88–92% to avoid suppressing respiratory drive, so this value may not require immediate provider notification.

B. pH: A pH of 7.22 indicates respiratory acidosis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of COPD. This level of acidosis shows that the client’s ventilation is inadequate, and immediate intervention is needed. This is the most critical finding that requires provider notification.

C. Respiratory rate: A rate of 22 breaths/min is slightly elevated but not critical. It may be compensatory and expected in a COPD patient who is hypoxic or retaining CO₂. By itself, it doesn't warrant urgent notification unless it worsens.

D. Temperature: A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range and does not indicate infection or acute illness. It is not a finding that necessitates notifying the provider at this point.