Which client assessment indicates the most toxic effect of a medication?
1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Respiratory depression
3. Erythema and skin rash
4. Bloating and constipation
2
2. Respiratory depression is an undesirable and potentially fatal effect of medication that occurs with prolonged therapy, excessive dosing, impaired metabolism, or sys-temic accumulation in the client. Respiratory depression can quickly deteriorate into respiratory failure, tissue damage, and death without airway and respiratory support.
1. Nausea and vomiting can be clinical indicators of a toxic effect; however, they lack the same fatal potential as respiratory depression.
3. The reddened skin rash is consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction.
4. Bloating and constipation is most likely an adverse effect of medication with a very low risk of fatality.
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