The nurse is continuing to care for the client.

Exhibits

The nurse is initiating the client's plan of care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to implement? Select all that apply.

Rationale:

A. Drinks 3 cups of 1% milk per day: This intake is appropriate for an 8-year-old child. It supports bone development by providing sufficient calcium and vitamin D, aligning with dietary guidelines for school-age children.

B. Weight has increased by 5 kg (11 lb): A weight gain of about 2–3 kg (4.4–6.6 lb) per year is typical for children between ages 6 and 12. A 5 kg increase over one year is within normal limits and does not require provider notification unless accompanied by other concerns.

C. Height has increased by 3.8 cm (1.5 in): This is below the expected annual growth rate for an 8-year-old, which is typically 5 to 6.5 cm (2 to 2.5 in) per year. Slowed linear growth can indicate underlying medical or nutritional issues and should be reported for evaluation.

D. Consumes three meals and two snacks per day: This is a healthy and age-appropriate eating pattern for a school-age child, promoting stable energy levels and supporting growth and development.

Rationale for correct choices:

• Opioid intoxication: The client shows hallmark signs of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, miosis (pupillary constriction), confusion, and hypothermia. A history of oxycodone use and psychosocial stressors support opioid misuse.
• Obtain prescription for naloxone: Naloxone is a competitive opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the life-threatening effects of opioid toxicity, particularly respiratory depression and central nervous system suppression.
• Prepare to initiate mechanical ventilation: The client’s respiratory rate is critically low at 10 breaths/min with oxygen saturation at 90%. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary if the client cannot maintain adequate oxygenation even after naloxone administration.
• Respiratory rate: This is a key indicator of opioid intoxication severity and response to naloxone. Ongoing monitoring is essential to assess ventilation adequacy and detect recurrent respiratory depression.
• Pupillary reaction: Miosis is a key sign of opioid overdose, and pupil size can help gauge the severity of intoxication. As naloxone takes effect, pupils typically dilate, signaling reversal.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Alcohol intoxication: While the client has a history of alcohol use disorder, the physical findings (e.g., pinpoint pupils, bradycardia, low respiratory rate) are more consistent with opioid toxicity than ethanol intoxication.
• Stimulant intoxication: Stimulant overdose would present with hypertension, hyperthermia, tachycardia, and dilated pupils not the bradycardia, hypothermia, and miosis seen here.
• Opioid withdrawal: Opioid withdrawal typically presents with symptoms like dilated pupils, tachycardia, agitation, and diaphoresis—not CNS depression and hypoventilation.
• Obtain prescription for restraints: There is no evidence of violent or aggressive behavior requiring restraints; the client is sedated and obtunded, not agitated or combative.
• Collect a blood sample for ethanol level: This might be helpful later, but it does not take priority in a client presenting with acute signs of opioid overdose. Immediate interventions to support breathing are more urgent.
• Cardiac arrhythmias: Although bradycardia is present, continuous ECG monitoring may be useful, but arrhythmias are not the primary risk in opioid overdose compared to respiratory depression.
• Ethanol level: Alcohol toxicity is not the most likely cause here, so monitoring ethanol level will not help guide the immediate treatment and stabilization of this client.