The nurse is collecting data from the client following the transfusion of 2 units of packed RBCs.

Exhibits

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Laboratory Results:

1800:

WBC count 6,700/mm (5,000 to 10,000/mm3)

Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (14 to 18 g/dL)

Hematocrit 36% (40% to 52%)

Vital Signs:

1800:

Blood pressure 112/74 mm Hg

Heart rate 95/min

Respiratory rate 18/min

Temperature 37.5°  C (99.5°  F)

O2 saturation 100% 2 L/min O2 via nasal cannula

Assessment:

1800:

Physical Exam

General: no distress

Head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat (HEENT): oropharynx clear, mucous membranes moist and pink

Respiratory: bilateral breath sounds clear

Gastrointestinal: epigastric tenderness to palpation, no rebound tenderness or guarding

Neurologic: awake and alert

Rationale:

• Opioid intoxication. The client was found unresponsive with a needle in the left antecubital space, suggesting recent intravenous drug use. The administration of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, further supports opioid intoxication as the likely condition. Additionally, the client presents with decreased level of consciousness, respiratory depression (respiratory rate of 10/min), and decreased bowel sounds, all of which are classic signs of opioid intoxication.
• Pupil characteristics
  The client’s pupils are miotic (constricted), which is a hallmark sign of opioid intoxication due to the drug’s effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. Opioids, particularly heroin and prescription narcotics, cause pinpoint pupils, which can help differentiate opioid intoxication from other conditions that may cause altered mental status.

Rationale for Incorrect Options:

• Opioid withdrawal is characterized by symptoms such as agitation, dilated pupils, diarrhea, and tachycardia, none of which are present in this client. Instead, the client exhibits signs of central nervous system depression rather than hyperactivity, making withdrawal unlikely.
• Hallucinogen intoxication typically presents with hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, and altered sensory perception. The client’s presentation does not include these findings, making hallucinogen intoxication an unlikely cause.
• Alcohol intoxication is associated with slurred speech, ataxia, and confusion, but the client’s history indicates only one beer was consumed, which is not enough to cause such profound central nervous system depression. The presence of a needle and response to naloxone further support opioid intoxication rather than alcohol intoxication.
• Alcohol withdrawal presents with symptoms such as tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, and agitation. The client is instead experiencing respiratory depression and sedation, which are inconsistent with alcohol withdrawal.

• WBC count 6,700/mm³ is unchanged from previous readings, remaining within normal limits, indicating no new or worsening infection or inflammatory response.
• Hemoglobin 12 g/dL represents a significant increase from the previous value of 7.8 g/dL, demonstrating successful red blood cell transfusion and improvement in oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Hematocrit 36% is also markedly improved from 24%, further confirming correction of anemia following transfusion.

• Blood pressure 112/74 mm Hg has increased from a low of 76/45 mm Hg, indicating improved circulatory status and perfusion following fluid resuscitation and transfusion.
• Heart rate 95/min is a decrease from previous tachycardic values (121/min), suggesting stabilization of hemodynamics and resolution of compensatory response to anemia and hypotension.
• Oxygen saturation 100% on 2 L/min O₂ via nasal cannula confirms adequate oxygenation, demonstrating improved hemoglobin levels and effective oxygen delivery.

• Respiratory: bilateral breath sounds clear confirms stable respiratory function, showing no complications such as fluid overload or transfusion-related lung injury.