A client with lung cancer who wears a subcutaneous morphine sulfate patch for pain is short of breath and is difficult to arouse. When performing a head to toe assessment, the nurse discovers four analgesic patches on the client's body. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Measure the client's blood pressure.

Remove all of the morphine patches.

Apply oxygen per face mask.

Administer a narcotic antagonist.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Measure the client's blood pressure:
While monitoring blood pressure is an important aspect of assessing a client's overall condition, it is not the immediate priority in a suspected opioid overdose. Respiratory depression and difficulty in arousing are more critical concerns that warrant prompt intervention with naloxone.

B. Remove all of the morphine patches:
While eventually, the nurse will need to address the presence of multiple morphine patches, removing them is not the first action. Administering naloxone to reverse the opioid effects takes precedence over patch removal.

C. Apply oxygen per face mask:
While providing oxygen may be necessary to support respiratory function, it doesn't address the underlying cause of the respiratory distress, which is likely opioid toxicity. Administering naloxone is the more direct and immediate intervention to counteract the effects of the opioids.

D. Administer a narcotic antagonist:
This is the correct and immediate priority. If the client is difficult to arouse and has multiple morphine patches, it raises concerns about opioid toxicity. Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, particularly respiratory depression, and is crucial in this scenario to restore normal respiratory function.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Facial puffiness and periorbital edema:
These are common signs of hypothyroidism but may not require immediate action unless accompanied by severe symptoms.

B. Cold and dry skin:
Cold and dry skin is a characteristic feature of hypothyroidism, but a further decline in the level of consciousness is a more urgent issue.

C. Further decline in the level of consciousness.
A decline in the level of consciousness is a critical sign that requires immediate attention, as it may indicate worsening hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, or other serious complications. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening condition associated with severe hypothyroidism, and it requires prompt medical intervention.

D. Hematocrit of 30% (0.30):
While anemia is a potential complication of hypothyroidism, a hematocrit of 30% alone may not be the most immediate concern compared to a decline in the level of consciousness.

A. Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction. B. Place an indwelling urinary catheter and measure strict intake and output. C. Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management D. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction:
While continuous observation is important, the priority is to notify the stroke team for immediate assessment and management.

B. Place an indwelling urinary catheter and measure strict intake and output:
Monitoring intake and output is an important aspect of nursing care, but it is not the immediate priority when the client is presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of a stroke.

C. Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management.
The client's symptoms, including an uneven smile with facial droop to the right side, weaker hand grasp strength on the right, and sudden, severe headache, are indicative of potential stroke symptoms. Quick notification of the stroke team is crucial to facilitate a rapid and comprehensive assessment. Time is a critical factor in the management of stroke, and prompt intervention can improve outcomes.

D. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment:
While positioning is important for maintaining physiological stability, it is not the immediate priority in the context of a potential stroke. Notifying the stroke team for rapid assessment and intervention takes precedence.

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A client with lung cancer who wears a subcutaneous morphine sulfate patch for pain is short of breath and is difficult to arouse. When performing a head to toe assessment, the nurse discovers four analgesic patches on the client's body. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who has a history of hypothyroidism was initially admitted with lethargy and confusion Which additional finding warrants the most immediate action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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