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. A client must create a do-not-resuscitate order when completing advance directives: A DNR is a separate medical order and is not required when completing advance directives. Clients may choose to include resuscitation preferences in their directive but are not obligated to.

B. Advance directives cannot be changed once implemented: Advance directives are flexible documents that can be revised or revoked by the client at any time, as long as the client is mentally competent. This allows clients to adjust their wishes as circumstances or preferences change.

C. Assigning a health care surrogate requires legal consultation: While laws vary by state, in most cases, a legal consultation is not required. Clients can designate a surrogate by completing a form that is often available at healthcare facilities or through state-provided templates.

D. A health care surrogate makes health care decisions when the client is no longer able: A surrogate, also known as a durable power of attorney for health care, steps in only when the client loses decision-making capacity. This ensures that the client’s preferences are respected when they cannot communicate them.

Rationale:

A. Prolonged QT interval: This is not a typical sign of morphine toxicity. QT prolongation is more commonly associated with certain antipsychotics, antiarrhythmics, or methadone, not opioids like morphine.

B. Fluid retention: Morphine does not typically cause fluid retention. While it may contribute to urinary retention, generalized fluid accumulation is not characteristic of opioid toxicity and may point to other causes like heart or renal failure.

C. Bradypnea: Respiratory depression, including bradypnea, is the hallmark sign of opioid toxicity. Morphine suppresses the brainstem’s respiratory centers, reducing respiratory rate and depth, which can become life-threatening without intervention.

D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes: Opioids tend to cause central nervous system depression, which would more likely lead to diminished reflexes. Hyperactive reflexes are not associated with morphine toxicity and may suggest a different neurological issue.