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: Obtaining a chest x-ray can provide important diagnostic information about the client's lung condition, but it is not the immediate first action. The priority is to address the low oxygen saturation to ensure adequate oxygenation.

Choice B reason: Raising the head of the bed can help improve oxygenation by facilitating easier breathing. However, in this scenario, the immediate need to increase oxygen levels through supplemental oxygen takes precedence over repositioning.

Choice C reason: Administering a prescribed analgesic might be necessary for pain management, but it does not address the critical issue of low oxygen saturation. The primary concern is to stabilize the client's oxygen levels first.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer. Administering oxygen at 2 L/min is the most immediate and effective intervention to improve the client's oxygen saturation. Supplemental oxygen will help increase the oxygen levels in the blood, addressing the immediate need for adequate oxygenation.

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Renal dysfunction is a common concern in older adults and significantly affects the clearance of medications from the body. Impaired kidney function can lead to the accumulation of drugs, increasing the risk of toxicity.

Choice B reason: Pancreatic impairment affects the digestion and absorption of nutrients, but it is not the primary concern related to medication toxicity. The liver and kidneys are more directly involved in drug metabolism and excretion.

Choice C reason: Increased gastric motility is not typically associated with medication toxicity. Slowed gastric emptying is more common in the elderly and can affect drug absorption, but it is not a primary cause of toxicity.

Choice D reason: Increased blood volume is not usually a physiological change in older adults and is not related to medication toxicity. Instead, decreased blood volume and changes in body composition are more typical and can affect drug distribution and metabolism.