The nurse is providing instructions about a client's new medications. How should the nurse explain the purpose of probenecid, a uricosuric drug?

Choice A reason: This is not the action that the nurse should implement. Determining Glasgow Coma Scale score is a method of assessing the level of consciousness and neurological function of the client, but it is not a priority intervention in this situation. The client's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are more critical indicators of the client's condition and the need for immediate action. The nurse should assess the Glasgow Coma Scale score as part of the ongoing evaluation, but it is not the first action.

Choice B reason: This is not the action that the nurse should implement. Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure that is performed when the client has no pulse and no breathing, but it is not indicated in this situation. The client has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, which is very low, but not absent. The client also has an oxygen saturation of 75%, which is very low, but not incompatible with life. The nurse should provide oxygen therapy and ventilatory support to the client, but not CPR.

Choice C reason: This is not the action that the nurse should implement. Preparing to assist with chest tube insertion is a procedure that is done to drain air or fluid from the pleural space and restore lung expansion, but it is not relevant in this situation. The client's respiratory depression is caused by the opioid overdose, not by a pneumothorax or a pleural effusion. The nurse should monitor the client's chest x-ray and lung sounds, but not prepare for chest tube insertion.

Choice D reason: This is the action that the nurse should implement. Administering a second dose of naloxone is the most appropriate and effective intervention in this situation. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. However, naloxone has a shorter duration of action than most opioids, and it may require repeated doses to maintain the reversal. The nurse should administer a second dose of naloxone if the client's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation do not improve or worsen after the first dose. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of opioid withdrawal, such as agitation, nausea, or pain.

Choice A reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client's caregivers. When using the discus, the client should breathe out slowly and gently away from the mouthpiece, not into it. Breathing out rapidly into the mouthpiece can cause the powder to disperse and reduce the amount of medication delivered to the lungs. The client should also rinse the mouthpiece with water after each use and dry it thoroughly.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client's caregivers. The discus is not intended for use during an acute asthma attack, as it does not provide immediate relief of bronchospasm. The discus is a combination of fluticasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, and salmeterol, a long-acting beta-agonist that relaxes the airway muscles. The discus is a maintenance therapy that should be used regularly to prevent asthma symptoms and exacerbations. The client should also have a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, for quick relief of asthma attacks.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client's caregivers. Clients using the discus may experience increased blood pressure, not decreased, as a possible side effect of salmeterol. Salmeterol can stimulate the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, causing tachycardia, palpitations, and hypertension. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure and heart rate regularly and report any abnormal findings to the healthcare provider.

Choice D reason: This is the correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client's caregivers. The discus should not be used more than twice daily, as it can increase the risk of adverse effects and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. The discus should be used once in the morning and once in the evening, about 12 hours apart, to provide optimal control of asthma symptoms. The nurse should teach the client and the caregivers how to use the discus correctly and safely, and to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule.