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?
Decreased temperature.
Polyuria.
Bradycardia.
Increased respiratory rate.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Decreased temperature is not a typical sign of naloxone reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioid overdose commonly leads to respiratory depression and hypoxia, but it does not significantly affect body temperature. Naloxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, thereby reversing the effects of the overdose. The primary signs of successful reversal include improved respiratory rate and increased alertness, not changes in body temperature.
Choice B rationale:
Polyuria (excessive urination) is not a specific indicator of naloxone effectiveness. Opioid overdose and naloxone administration primarily affect the central nervous system and respiratory function, not urinary output. Naloxone's effects are more evident in the client's level of consciousness, respiratory rate, and overall responsiveness.
Choice C rationale:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not an expected indicator of naloxone effectiveness. Opioid overdose typically causes respiratory depression, leading to a decreased respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. Naloxone works by reversing this respiratory depression and improving ventilation. Consequently, increased respiratory rate, not heart rate, is a more relevant indicator of naloxone's effectiveness in reversing opioid overdose.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer. Increased respiratory rate is a key indicator that naloxone is reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Opioid overdose depresses the respiratory system, leading to slow and shallow breathing. Naloxone, as an opioid receptor antagonist, rapidly reverses this effect, leading to a noticeable increase in the client's respiratory rate. Monitoring for improved breathing and increased oxygen saturation is crucial to assessing the effectiveness of naloxone in treating opioid overdose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. Offering information about respite care provides the son with an option to take a break and get some rest while ensuring his mother's care is still managed by professionals.
B. Incorrect. While supportive, this statement does not offer a solution to the son's sleep deprivation.
C. Incorrect. Suggesting a sleeping pill might not address the underlying issue of the son's caregiving responsibilities.
D. Incorrect. While empathetic, this statement does not offer a practical solution or support for the son's situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Placing a pillow under the client's knees would not specifically address preventing a compromise in placental blood flow.
B. Reverse Trendelenburg involves tilting the bed so that the head is elevated and the feet are lower. While this position may help with respiratory difficulties (by allowing the diaphragm to expand), it does not address the concern of aortocaval compression, which is critical during pregnancy.
C. The lithotomy position is used for vaginal deliveries and involves placing the client's feet in stirrups, which is not appropriate for a cesarean birth.
D. The wedge position helps maintain blood flow to the placenta by relieving aortocaval compression, thereby improving venous return and placental perfusion. This is particularly important in pregnant clients, where the uterus can exert significant pressure on these blood vessels in the supine position.
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