A nurse is caring for a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following pH levels should the nurse expect?

(A) Blood pressure 160/94 mm Hg:
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker commonly used to treat hypertension. A blood pressure reading of 160/94 mm Hg indicates hypertension, which is an indication for administering metoprolol, not withholding it.

(B) Oxygen saturation 95%:
An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range and does not provide a reason to withhold metoprolol. Oxygen saturation levels are not directly impacted by this medication in a way that would warrant withholding it.

(C) Heart rate 50/min:
A heart rate of 50/min is bradycardia (a slow heart rate). Metoprolol can further lower the heart rate, so it should be withheld if the client is already experiencing bradycardia. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider for further instructions.

(D) Respiratory rate 18/min:
A respiratory rate of 18/min is within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not provide a reason to withhold metoprolol. Respiratory rate is not typically a contraindication for this medication unless there are specific respiratory conditions or other related symptoms present.

A. "Opioid narcotics are restricted for the client because of the risk for addiction":
This statement is not accurate and may contribute to unnecessary fear or misunderstanding about opioid use. While there is a risk of opioid addiction, it is generally low when opioids are used appropriately for pain management, especially in end-of-life care settings where the focus is on comfort and symptom management.

B. "Using opioid narcotics will limit options available for future management of pain":
This statement is misleading and may cause unnecessary concern. In end-of-life care, the priority is to provide effective pain relief and maximize comfort for the client. Opioid narcotics are an essential component of pain management in palliative and hospice care and do not necessarily limit future pain management options.

C. "The use of opioid narcotics is restricted to when death is imminent":
This statement is not accurate. Opioid narcotics can be used for pain management at various stages of illness, including but not limited to end-of-life care. While opioids are commonly used in palliative and hospice care settings, they may also be indicated for pain management in other clinical contexts.

D. "The dosage of the opioid narcotic is unlimited":
This statement is the most appropriate response. In end-of-life care, the goal of pain management is to relieve suffering and maximize comfort. Opioid dosages are titrated based on the client's pain intensity and response, and there is no strict limit to the dosage if needed to achieve adequate pain control. The priority is to ensure that the client is comfortable and free from pain as much as possible, even if higher doses of opioids are required.