The nurse is caring for a patient who lost consciousness and collapsed. Which site will be used to determine if the patient has a pulse?

A. Hyperventilation. Opioid overdose depresses the central nervous system, leading to slow and shallow breathing, not increased respiratory rate (hyperventilation).
B. Eupnea. Eupnea refers to normal breathing, which is unlikely in opioid overdose because opioids suppress respiratory drive.
C. Bradypnea. Opioids act on the brainstem's respiratory centers, leading to respiratory depression, characterized by slow breathing (bradypnea) and, in severe cases, respiratory arrest. This is the most life-threatening effect requiring immediate intervention.
D. Hyperpnea. Hyperpnea refers to deep breathing, which is not a typical response to opioid overdose. Instead, breathing becomes slow and shallow, increasing the risk of hypoxia.

A. Inform the patient's health care provider immediately to obtain an order for antihypertensive medications. While notifying the provider may be necessary, the nurse must first confirm the accuracy of the blood pressure reading before taking further action.
B. Instruct the nursing assistant to take the patient's blood pressure again and inform the nurse of the results immediately. Nursing assistants can take blood pressure readings, but the nurse should personally verify a critically high reading using a manual method.
C. Take the patient's blood pressure manually with a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Electronic monitors can sometimes give false readings, especially in patients with irregular heartbeats or movement. Manually verifying ensures an accurate assessment before determining further action.
D. Perform a neurological assessment to determine if the patient is stressed, in pain, or having a stroke. A neurological assessment is important if the elevated BP is confirmed, but the first priority is verifying the reading manually.