A young adult postoperative patient is receiving morphine 2 to 4 mg IV every 2 hours PRN pain. The last dose was 3 mg given 2 hours ago
The patient is asleep, and the nurse notes a heart rate of 86 beats per minute and a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. Which PRN medication will the nurse give this patient? a. Diphenhydramine [Benadryl] to counter morphine side effects
b. Morphine 4 mg for increased pain, as in-dicated by tachycardia
c. Naloxone [Narcan] to block the effects of the morphine
d. Nothing at this time, because the patient is resting comfortably
C
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, which is a significant adverse effect indicating morphine toxicity. Naloxone blocks the actions of morphine at cell re-ceptor sites and is given to quickly reverse the effects. This patient does not have signs of an al-lergic response, which would include shortness of breath, a rapid respiratory rate, and wheezing. The tachycardia might be a sign of worsening pain, but the toxic effects must be treated first. Pa-tients who are sleeping are not always pain free.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following is an accurate demographic of the adolescent and young adult age groups?
a. Their morbidity rates for chronic medical conditions are the highest of the entire population. b. Their morbidity rates for chronic medical conditions are equal to that of the middle adult population. c. Their mortality rates are among the lowest of all age groups. d. Their mortality rates are among the highest of all age groups.
Which statement made by the client to the home care nurse indicates the need for more teaching regarding identification of the early manifestations of hypokalemia?
A. "I have been weighing myself every day." B. "When I am constipated, I drink more fluids." C. "When my muscles feel weak, I eat an orange or a banana." D. "I check my pulse when I get up in the morning and before I go to bed at night."
A patient is complaining of an inability to keep urine in the bladder long enough to get to the restroom. A nurse identifies that this is most likely due to an overactive bladder, or
1. Neuropathic incontinence. 2. Stress incontinence. 3. Urge incontinence. 4. Overflow incontinence.
Which age-related change would affect transdermal drug absorption in geriatric patients the most?
a. Difficulty swallowing b. Diminished kidney function c. Changes in pigmentation d. Altered circulatory status