A nurse in the operating room is caring for a client who suddenly develops muscle rigidity and a rise in body temperature. What emergency medication should the nurse expect to receive an order to start administering?

Choice A reason:

Respiratory rate is the priority assessment before administering morphine because morphine can cause respiratory depression, a serious side effect. Monitoring the client's respiratory status ensures that the morphine does not significantly depress their breathing, which could lead to life-threatening hypoventilation.

Choice B reason:

While monitoring urine output is important for overall patient care, it is not the immediate priority before morphine administration. Morphine's primary concern is its impact on the respiratory system rather than renal function.

Choice C reason:

Assessing bowel sounds is relevant for managing potential constipation due to morphine use but is not the immediate priority before administration. Respiratory rate takes precedence because of the risk of respiratory depression.

Choice D reason:

Pupil reaction can indicate narcotic effect and neurological status but is not the immediate priority over respiratory rate. Ensuring the client’s respiratory status is stable is the most crucial step before administering morphine.

Choice A reason:

Supplemental therapy refers to the use of additional substances or interventions to support and enhance the primary treatment. This is not relevant to the scenario described, where antibiotics are given while awaiting culture results. Supplemental therapy does not describe the preemptive use of antibiotics based on clinical judgment without confirmed microbiological evidence.

Choice B reason:

Replacement therapy typically involves providing the body with necessary substances that it is lacking, such as insulin for diabetes or thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism. This term does not apply to the scenario of administering antibiotics while waiting for culture results. Replacement therapy is used to restore normal function when the body is deficient in certain hormones or enzymes, not for treating infections.

Choice C reason:

Empiric therapy is the correct term for the administration of antibiotics based on clinical signs and symptoms before the exact cause of the infection is confirmed by culture results. This approach is used to promptly manage infections

and prevent their spread while waiting for detailed diagnostic information. It is a common practice in medicine to