A nurse is assessing a client who received an opioid narcotic for incisional pain. Which of the following findings is the priority?
Pain level
Pulse oximetry
Blood pressure
Level of sedation
The Correct Answer is D
A) Pain level:
While assessing pain is important to determine the effectiveness of the pain management, it is not the immediate priority after administering an opioid.
B) Pulse oximetry:
Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical as opioids can depress respiratory function. However, it is indirectly related to the primary effect of the medication on the central nervous system.
C) Blood pressure:
Monitoring blood pressure is important as opioids can cause hypotension, but it is not as critical as monitoring the level of sedation and respiratory status.
D) Level of sedation:
This is the priority because opioids can cause significant sedation and respiratory depression. Assessing the level of sedation helps determine if the client is at risk of further complications like respiratory arrest. Over-sedation can be a precursor to more serious complications, making this assessment crucial.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this scenario, the nurse's decision not to administer the pain medication is not based on maximizing overall benefit but rather on avoiding harm to the individual client.
B) Non-maleficence: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. The nurse's decision not to administer the pain medication is rooted in the desire to avoid causing harm to the client by potentially hastening their death.
C) Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the obligation to fulfill commitments and responsibilities. While important, fidelity is not directly relevant to the nurse's decision in this scenario.
D) Veracity: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty. While honesty is crucial in communicating with the client and their family about their condition and care, it is not the primary ethical principle guiding the nurse's decision in this situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Hydrochlorothiazide: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that promotes sodium and water excretion, leading to decreased blood volume and decreased potassium excretion. While it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion, it does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
B) Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that inhibits aldosterone, leading to decreased sodium reabsorption and increased potassium retention. This mechanism of action can predispose clients to hyperkalemia due to potassium retention. Additionally, spironolactone can cause hyponatremia by promoting the excretion of sodium and water. Therefore, clients receiving spironolactone are at risk for both hyperkalemia and hyponatremia.
C) Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, promoting sodium, chloride, potassium, and water excretion. While it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion, it does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
D) Metolazone: Metolazone is a thiazide-like diuretic that acts similarly to hydrochlorothiazide by promoting sodium and water excretion. Like hydrochlorothiazide, it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion but does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
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