A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving meperidine.
Which of the following is the nurse's priority assessment before administering the medication?

Urinary retention.

Vomiting.

Respiratory rate.

Level of consciousness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Urinary retention is a potential adverse effect of opioid analgesics like meperidine due to their anticholinergic effects, which can relax the detrusor muscle and increase bladder sphincter tone. While important to monitor, it is not the most immediate life-threatening concern compared to respiratory depression.

Choice B rationale

Vomiting is a common gastrointestinal adverse effect of opioid analgesics, often due to stimulation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brainstem. While distressing for the client and requiring intervention, it does not pose the immediate life-threatening risk that respiratory depression does.

Choice C rationale

Meperidine is an opioid agonist that acts on mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, including the brainstem respiratory centers. This can lead to dose-dependent respiratory depression by decreasing the sensitivity of these centers to carbon dioxide, making a depressed respiratory rate (normal range 12-20 breaths/min) the priority assessment for client safety.

Choice D rationale

Altered level of consciousness, such as drowsiness or sedation, is a common central nervous system effect of meperidine. While a significant finding indicating opioid effect, it is secondary in priority to respiratory depression, which directly impacts vital gas exchange and can quickly become life-threatening.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["200"]

Explanation

Step 1 is to determine the total volume to be infused, which is 100 mL.

Step 2 is to determine the infusion time in hours. The infusion time is 30 min, which is 0.5 hours.

Step 3 is to calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr by dividing the total volume by the infusion time in hours: 100 mL ÷ 0.5 hr = 200 mL/hr. The nurse should set the IV infusion pump to deliver 200 mL/hr.

Correct Answer is ["3"]

Explanation

Step 1 is: Convert client weight from pounds to kilograms. 165 Ib ÷ 2.2 Ib/kg = 75 kg.

Step 2 is: Calculate the total dose of verapamil needed. 0.1 mg/kg × 75 kg = 7.5 mg.

Step 3 is: Calculate the volume to administer in mL. 7.5 mg ÷ (2.5 mg/mL) = 3 mL. The nurse should administer 3 mL.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving meperidine. Which of the following is the nurse's priority assessment before administering the medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["200"]

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer verapamil 0.1 mg/kg via intermittent IV bolus over 2 min. Available is verapamil 2.5 mg/mL. The client weighs 165 Ib. How many mL should the nurse administer?

Correct Answer is ["3"]

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving meperidine.
Which of the following is the nurse's priority assessment before administering the medication?