A nurse is assessing a client who has been prescribed oxycodone for chronic pain. Which of the following signs and symptoms should alert the nurse to possible prescription drug abuse?
Constipation and dry mouth
Drowsiness and respiratory depression
Nausea and vomiting
Pupillary constriction and itching
The Correct Answer is B
Correct answer: b) Drowsiness and respiratory depression
Rationale: Drowsiness and respiratory depression are signs of opioid overdose and indicate that the client is taking more than the prescribed dose or combining oxycodone with other depressants. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, administer naloxone if indicated, and report the situation to the prescriber.
Incorrect choices:
a) Constipation and dry mouth: These are common side effects of opioids and do not necessarily indicate abuse.
c) Nausea and vomiting: These are also common side effects of opioids and can be managed with antiemetics.
d) Pupillary constriction and itching: These are also common side effects of opioids and do not necessarily indicate abuse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Correct answer: b) Administer flumazenil (Romazicon)
Rationale: Flumazenil is an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose that works by blocking the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. It can reverse the effects of benzodiazepines such as sedation, respiratory depression, and coma.
Incorrect choices:
a) Administer naloxone (Narcan): Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose that works by displacing opioids from their receptors in the brain. It has no effect on benzodiazepines or their receptors.
c) Administer activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is a substance that binds to drugs or toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents their absorption into the bloodstream. It may be useful for some cases of drug overdose, but it is not effective for benzodiazepines as they are rapidly absorbed and distributed in the body.
d) Administer acetylcysteine (Mucomyst): Acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose that works by replenishing glutathione, a substance that helps detoxify acetaminophen in the liver. It has no effect on benzodiazepines or their metabolism.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Correct answer: c) Educate the client about the risks of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal
Rationale: Taking more than the prescribed dose of benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. The nurse should educate the client about these risks and advise them to consult with their prescriber before making any changes to their medication regimen.
Incorrect choices:
a) Encourage the client to continue taking benzodiazepines as needed: This can worsen the client's dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
b) Advise the client to stop taking benzodiazepines abruptly: This can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, delirium, or death.
d) Suggest alternative therapies for anxiety such as meditation or exercise: While these therapies can be helpful for anxiety management, they are not a substitute for medication therapy for clients who have been prescribed benzodiazepines.
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