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A nurse is caring for a client on the medical surgical unit.

Click to highlight the findings at 1630 that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

Body System

Findings

Cardiovascular

S1, S2, no murmur, bradycardia

Respiratory

decreased respiratory effort, equal chest expansion, bilateral crackles

Neurologic

somnolent

Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat (HEENT)

oropharynx clear, mucous membranes moist, pinpoint pupils

Vital Signs

Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F)

Heart rate 58/min

Respiratory rate 10/min

Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg

A.

S1, S2, no murmur, bradycardia

B.

decreased respiratory effort

C.

equal chest expansion, bilateral crackles

D.

somnolent

E.

oropharynx clear,

F.

mucous membranes moist

G.

pinpoint pupils

H.

Respiratory rate 10/min

I.

Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg

J.

Heart rate 58/min

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["B","D","G","H","I"]

  • Decreased respiratory effort, bilateral crackles: Reduced respiratory effort following opioid administration suggests opioid-induced respiratory depression. Crackles may indicate early airway compromise due to poor ventilation or fluid accumulation, requiring immediate intervention to support breathing.
  • Somnolent: Somnolence beyond expected postoperative drowsiness, especially in combination with other signs of opioid overdose, indicates central nervous system depression. The client is difficult to arouse, raising concern for airway and breathing compromise.
  • Pinpoint pupils: Pinpoint pupils are a hallmark sign of opioid toxicity. In the setting of recent morphine administration and accompanying respiratory depression, this finding confirms that opioid overdose is likely occurring and must be treated promptly.
  • Respiratory rate 10/min: A respiratory rate under 12 breaths per minute following opioid administration is a major red flag for opioid-induced respiratory depression. Immediate action is needed to prevent further decline in respiratory status, including potential use of naloxone.
  • Blood pressure 98/58 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure has dropped significantly compared to the earlier reading, suggesting opioid-related hypotension. While not yet critically low, the trend combined with other overdose signs indicates instability needing close monitoring and intervention.
  • Heart rate 58/min: Although the client is bradycardic, this alone is not the most urgent issue compared to respiratory depression and neurological decline. It should still be monitored closely, but it is less immediately life-threatening than the airway and breathing concerns.
  • Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F): This temperature is within normal range and does not require follow-up. There are no indications of infection or thermoregulatory issues based on the current temperature.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Reviewing the results of the client's chlamydia screening with their parents, without the client's consent: Sexual health information, including STI screenings, is protected by confidentiality laws even for minors in many regions. Disclosing such sensitive information without the client's consent breaches confidentiality and can undermine trust between the adolescent and healthcare providers.

B. Reviewing the results of the client's celiac screening with their parents, without the client's consent: Celiac screening relates to general medical conditions and nutritional health, which are typically shared with parents of minors unless otherwise restricted. This does not generally breach confidentiality because it is not considered sensitive under adolescent health privacy laws.

C. Reviewing the results of the client's complete blood count (CBC) with their parents, without the client's consent: A CBC is a routine diagnostic test that checks general health indicators such as anemia or infection. Discussing these results with parents, especially for minors, is standard practice and does not usually violate confidentiality.

D. Reviewing the results of the client's urinalysis with their parents, without the client's consent: Urinalysis results typically assess general health or identify infections, which are standard to share with parents in the care of minors. This action would not be considered as a breach of confidentiality unless it revealed sensitive information like substance use without consent.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Let's review hormonal contraceptives first": Redirecting the conversation to hormonal contraceptives ignores the client’s expressed preference. Effective communication involves respecting client choices and supporting informed decision-making rather than pushing alternative methods first.

B. "I will provide you with more information about this": This response supports the client’s autonomy by offering information tailored to their expressed interest. Providing education about natural family planning, including techniques and effectiveness, allows the client to make an informed and empowered decision.

C. "Have you considered other alternatives": While exploring options is sometimes appropriate, immediately questioning the client's choice may feel dismissive. It is important to first respect and address the client's initial interest before introducing other possibilities if needed.

D. "Natural family planning is not beneficial for everyone.": Although this statement may be true in some cases, it is not an appropriate initial response. It risks discouraging the client prematurely rather than fostering an open, supportive discussion about how to use natural family planning effectively.

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