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. "I should visually monitor the client continuously when in mechanical restraints." Continuous visual monitoring is required to ensure the client’s safety, monitor for distress or injury, and assess the ongoing need for restraints. This is a key safety standard in the use of mechanical restraints.
B. "I should assess the client's skin integrity every 8 hours while in mechanical restraints." Skin integrity must be assessed much more frequently, typically every 15 to 30 minutes, to prevent injury or pressure-related complications while the client is restrained.
C. "I should expect the provider to evaluate the client within 4 hours of restraint application." For adults, a provider must evaluate the client within 1 hour of the initiation of mechanical restraints. A 4-hour delay does not meet safety or legal standards.
D. "I should ask the provider to write a prescription for mechanical restraints as needed." PRN (as-needed) prescriptions for restraints are not permitted. Each use must be justified, time-limited, and based on the client’s immediate behavior or condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Offer the client's meals on a different schedule. Changing the schedule may not address the core issue if the meals themselves do not align with the client’s preferences or cultural needs. It is not the most effective initial approach.
B. Discuss the client's food preferences with the hospital's dietitian. Collaborating with a dietitian allows for the modification of the meal plan to better align with the client’s preferences while still meeting nutritional and medical requirements. This supports client-centered care and improves adherence.
C. Request the provider change the client's prescribed diet. The provider may be involved later if significant changes are needed, but the dietitian is the appropriate first contact for customizing a prescribed diet based on individual preferences.
D. Allow the client's family to bring food from home for the client. While this can be an option, it must first be approved by the healthcare team to ensure the food aligns with the therapeutic diet and does not compromise the client’s condition.
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