A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving methadone therapy as treatment for an opioid use disorder. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing the therapeutic effects of this medication?
Reduced cravings
Somnolence
Euphoria
Dilated pupils
The Correct Answer is A
A. Reduced cravings: Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps suppress cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with opioid use disorder. By stabilizing opioid levels in the body, it prevents the compulsive drug-seeking behavior associated with addiction.
B. Somnolence: While methadone can cause sedation, excessive drowsiness is not a therapeutic effect but rather a side effect that may indicate the need for dose adjustment. Therapeutic use should allow normal functioning without excessive sedation.
C. Euphoria: Unlike short-acting opioids, methadone is formulated to prevent euphoria when taken at prescribed doses. Experiencing euphoria may indicate misuse or an excessively high dose rather than a therapeutic response.
D. Dilated pupils: Methadone, as an opioid agonist, typically causes pupil constriction (miosis) rather than dilation. Dilated pupils may indicate withdrawal or intoxication with other substances rather than therapeutic effects of methadone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Your provider would not prescribe this treatment if it weren't necessary.": While the provider recommends treatment based on medical necessity, the decision to continue or discontinue chemotherapy ultimately lies with the client. This response does not acknowledge the client’s autonomy.
B. "Chemotherapy is your best chance for survival.": This response focuses on treatment efficacy rather than addressing the client's emotional and personal concerns. It may also create pressure rather than supporting the client’s decision-making process.
C. "It is your decision whether to continue chemotherapy.": This response is appropriate as it acknowledges the client’s autonomy and right to make healthcare decisions. It validates the client’s concerns while offering support without imposing an opinion.
D. "Why don't you want to continue treatment?": Asking "why" may make the client feel defensive or pressured to justify their decision. A more open-ended approach, such as "Can you tell me more about your concerns?" would be a better way to explore the client’s feelings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Stop the infusion: Acute hemolytic reactions can occur within minutes of starting a transfusion and are life-threatening. Symptoms such as chills, lower back pain, and nausea indicate a potential reaction, requiring immediate discontinuation of the transfusion to prevent further hemolysis and organ damage.
B. Collect a urine sample: A urine sample helps detect hemoglobinuria, a sign of red blood cell destruction, but it is not the priority. The infusion must be stopped first to prevent further complications before obtaining a urine sample for analysis.
C. Check the client's vital signs: Monitoring vital signs is essential, but the priority is stopping the transfusion to halt the reaction. Vital signs should be checked after discontinuing the infusion to assess the severity of the reaction and guide further interventions.
D. Administer oxygen to the client: Oxygen may be needed if respiratory distress occurs, but stopping the transfusion is the first step to prevent continued exposure to the incompatible blood product. Oxygen therapy should be implemented based on the client's condition after discontinuing the infusion.
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