A nurse is administering hydromorphone to a client who is experiencing postoperative pain. Which of the following findings is an adverse effect of this medication?
Urinary retention
Dilated pupils
Hypertension
Tachypnea
The Correct Answer is A
Opioid medications can cause urinary retention by inhibiting the normal function of the bladder and reducing the urge to urinate. This can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder and increased urine retention. Nurses should monitor clients receiving opioids for signs of urinary retention, such as decreased urine output, distended bladder, or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Opioids generally cause pupil constriction (miosis) rather than dilation (mydriasis). Dilated pupils may indicate other drug use or neurological issues, but they are not a typical adverse effect of hydromorphone.
Hydromorphone is more likely to cause hypotension (low blood pressure) as an adverse effect rather than hypertension (high blood pressure).
Hydromorphone can cause respiratory depression, which is characterized by decreased respiratory rate and depth. Tachypnea (rapid breathing) is not a typical adverse effect of hydromorphone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client is experiencing palpitations and a sense of impending doom, which may indicate a heightened state of anxiety or a panic attack. Minimizing environmental stimuli can help create a calming and safe environment for the client. By reducing noise, bright lights, and other potentially distressing stimuli, the nurse can create a more soothing atmosphere that may help alleviate the client's anxiety.
While exploring behaviors that have helped to reduce the client's anxiety in the past and explaining to the client that anxiety causes physical manifestations are important actions, they may not provide immediate relief or address the client's immediate distress.
Administering an anti-anxiety medication may be considered if the client's symptoms persist or worsen, but it is not the first action to be taken. The nurse should prioritize non-pharmacological interventions and create a supportive environment before considering medication administration.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
The client's symptoms are concerning for angina or a possible myocardial infarction (heart atack) and require immediate intervention. Nitroglycerin is a medication that can help relieve chest pain associated with cardiac events by dilating blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart.
Therefore, the nurse should administer nitroglycerin as ordered by the provider. After administering nitroglycerin, the nurse should obtain an ECG to assess for any changes in cardiac rhythm or evidence of ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart muscle).
The ECG can provide important diagnostic information and guide further treatment decisions.
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