An unconscious client is brought to the emergency department, accompanied by a friend who is in

an obviously intoxicated state. The friend is unable to give any information regarding what caused
the client to lapse into unconsciousness.

The nurse can anticipate that the physician will order a
toxicological screening. This will require the nurse to
a. assist with passing a nasogastric tube to collect a sample of gastric contents.
b. obtain urine and blood samples in the presence of a witness.
c. conduct a complete neurological and psychological assessment.
d. prepare and administer a dose of naloxone and observe the client for 2 hours after
administration.


B
Toxicological screening usually requires 100 mL of urine and 20 mL of blood. The specimens are
obtained and labeled with a witness at hand to ensure correct identification and handling of the
specimen in the event the results become legal evidence. The drug screening provides vital
information needed for emergency treatment and possibly for long-term care planning. Option A:
Gastric contents are not tested. Option C: Neurological and psychological assessment will be
performed but are not specifically part of a toxicological screening. Option D: Naloxone would be
administered as an opiate antagonist, not as a routine part of a toxicological screen.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

The nurse is collecting a stool specimen. Arrange the following steps in the order the nurse should perform them. Label the steps from 1 to 4, with 1 being the first step to perform

A. Have the patient defecate into a special container placed under the toilet seat. B. Put on gloves and place the specimen in a specimen container. C. Ask the patient to void to empty the bladder. D. Place a label on the specimen container.

Nursing

The nurse is assessing a client whose family is concerned that the client may be at risk for suicide. The best question for the nurse to ask the client is:

A) "People often think of doing something bad when they are feeling angry or upset. Were you upset?" B) "How did you try to harm yourself?" C) "Have you ever had these thoughts before?" D) "Have you had any thoughts of wanting to kill yourself?"

Nursing

Which of the following entities would the community health nurse know are required to report known or suspected cases of reportable diseases in every state in the United States? Select all that apply

A) Physicians, dentists, and nurses B) Laboratory directors C) Any individual who knows of or suspects the existence of a reportable disease D) Medical examiners E) Administrators of schools and child care centers

Nursing

Underclothes must:

a. Be simple and attractive b. Be clean and fit well c. Give needed support d. Be in style

Nursing