A nurse is assessing a client immediately following a cardiac catheterization.

The nurse should notify the provider for which of the following findings?

The correct answer is choice B, bradypnea. Bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing, which can be a sign of life-threatening respiratory depression caused by morphine. Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of morphine and can lead to coma and death if not treated promptly. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the child’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation closely and be prepared to administer naloxone, an opioid antagonist, if needed.

Choice A, euphoria, is wrong because euphoria is a feeling of intense happiness or well-being that is a common side effect of morphine.

Euphoria is not a priority finding and does not indicate a serious complication of morphine.

Choice C, constipation, is wrong because constipation is a common and chronic side effect of morphine that affects the gastrointestinal system.

Constipation can cause discomfort and complications such as bowel obstruction, but it is not a priority finding compared to respiratory depression.

Choice D, sedation, is wrong because sedation is another common side effect of morphine that affects the central nervous system.

Sedation can impair the child’s level of consciousness and ability to respond to stimuli, but it is not as urgent as respiratory depression.

The correct answer is choice D. Evaluate the client’s ability to help with repositioning.

This is because the nurse should assess the client’s level of mobility, strength, and coordination before repositioning them to prevent injury and promote comfort.

The nurse should also use appropriate assistive devices, such as a drawsheet, a trapeze bar, or a mechanical lift, to facilitate safe repositioning and reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers.

Choice A is wrong because raising the side rails on both sides of the client’s bed during repositioning can increase the risk of falls and entrapment.

The nurse should only raise the side rail on the opposite side of the bed from where they are working and lower it when they are done.

Choice B is wrong because repositioning the client without assistive devices can cause strain and injury to both the nurse and the client.

The nurse should use assistive devices that are appropriate for the client’s condition and weight.

Choice C is wrong because discussing the client’s preferences for determining a repositioning schedule is not a priority action when preparing to reposition a client who had a stroke.

The nurse should follow the facility’s protocol for repositioning frequency, which is usually every 2 hours, and adjust it according to the client’s needs and comfort.

The nurse should also involve the client in the care plan and respect their preferences whenever possible.