A nurse in an emergency department is administering naloxone to a client who had a heroin overdose.
The nurse should identify which of the following assessment findings as an indication that the medication is reversing the effects of the opioid overdose?

Choice A rationale:

Allergic transfusion reactions are characterized by symptoms such as hives, itching, and shortness of breath. While allergic reactions can cause discomfort, they do not typically present with the symptoms described in the scenario, such as chills, headache, low-back pain, and chest tightness.

Choice B rationale:

Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions are characterized by fever and chills, but they do not usually cause headache, low-back pain, or chest tightness. These reactions occur due to antibodies against donor leukocytes or platelets.

Choice C rationale:

Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions occur when there is a mismatch in blood type between the donor and recipient, leading to rapid destruction of transfused red blood cells. This reaction can cause symptoms such as chills, fever, low-back pain, chest tightness, and hemoglobinuria (presence of hemoglobin in the urine) It is a medical emergency that requires immediate cessation of the transfusion, supportive care, and treatment for potential complications such as acute kidney injury.

Choice D rationale:

Bacterial transfusion reactions occur due to bacterial contamination of the blood product. These reactions can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, hypotension, and shock. While bacterial transfusion reactions can be serious, the symptoms described in the scenario, including headache and low-back pain, are not typically associated with this type of reaction.

Choice A rationale:

Transferring a client to physical therapy is a task that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) as long as the client does not have any specific medical restrictions or requires specialized assistance during the transfer. APs are trained to assist with activities of daily living, including transferring clients from one place to another. However, it is essential for the nurse to assess the client's condition and provide clear instructions to the AP to ensure a safe transfer.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining a client's vital signs every 4 hours is a routine task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel. APs are trained to measure vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. Regular monitoring of vital signs is crucial in assessing the client's overall health status and detecting any changes that might require immediate medical attention.

Choice E rationale:

Recording a client's intake after each meal is a task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel. APs can document the amount and type of food and fluids consumed by the client. Monitoring the client's intake is important, especially if the client has specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions that require close monitoring of their food and fluid intake.

Choice C rationale:

Instructing a client on the use of an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge and assessment of the client's respiratory status. This task should be performed by a licensed healthcare provider, such as a nurse or respiratory therapist, who can properly assess the client's lung function, demonstrate the correct technique, and ensure the client's safety during the process. Delegating this task to an AP could result in improper use of the spirometer, potentially leading to complications or ineffective therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Inserting an NG tube for a client who requires enteral feedings is a complex medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider with appropriate training and expertise. This procedure carries risks, including the risk of aspiration if not done correctly. Delegating this task to an AP is outside their scope of practice and could jeopardize the client's safety.