A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving morphine IV for pain. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider first?
Urinary output 120 mL/4 hr
Pupil diameter 6 mm
Bowel movement 5 days ago
Blood pressure 80/40 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is D
A. Urinary output 120 mL/4 hr. This is on the lower end of normal but not critical. It should be monitored, especially in clients on opioids, but does not require immediate reporting ahead of more life-threatening findings.
B. Pupil diameter 6 mm. Dilated pupils may suggest other issues such as anxiety, medication effects, or pain, but are not a common concern with morphine, which usually causes miosis (pupil constriction). Still, this is not the most urgent concern.
C. Bowel movement 5 days ago. Constipation is a common side effect of opioids, including morphine, and should be addressed with stool softeners or laxatives. However, it is not an emergency.
D. Blood pressure 80/40 mm Hg. This indicates hypotension, a potentially life-threatening side effect of IV morphine, especially if it results in decreased perfusion or shock. It requires immediate intervention and provider notification.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Rise slowly when getting out of bed." Furosemide can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, causing orthostatic hypotension. Clients may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when changing positions. Rising slowly helps prevent falls and promotes safety.
B. “Taking furosemide can cause you to be overhydrated." Furosemide is a potent diuretic that promotes fluid excretion, not retention. The risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance is much higher than overhydration. Monitoring intake and output is essential.
C. "Eat foods that are high in sodium." High sodium intake increases fluid retention, which can worsen heart failure symptoms. Furosemide is often prescribed to manage fluid overload, and sodium-rich foods would counteract its effects. A low-sodium diet is recommended.
D. “Taking furosemide can cause your potassium levels to be high." Furosemide increases the excretion of potassium through the kidneys, often leading to hypokalemia. Low potassium levels can result in muscle weakness or cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. “Take your diuretic medication with your evening meal." Taking diuretics in the evening can increase nighttime urination, worsening sleep disruption and incontinence. They should generally be taken in the morning to minimize nocturia.
B. "Decrease your intake of cranberry juice." Cranberry juice is often recommended to promote urinary tract health, though it doesn’t directly worsen urge incontinence. It is not necessary to avoid it unless advised by a provider for another reason.
C. "Plan to urinate every 3 hours while you are awake." Scheduled voiding at regular intervals is a key strategy in bladder retraining. It helps reduce urgency episodes and gradually increases bladder capacity and control over time.
D. “Limit your fluid intake to 500 milliliters per day." Severely limiting fluids can lead to dehydration, concentrated urine, and bladder irritation, potentially worsening incontinence. Adequate fluid intake should be maintained unless otherwise directed.
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