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","D","E","F","G","H","I","J"]
Explanation
- Open wound on right foot with purulent drainage: A non-healing wound with purulent drainage suggests infection, which is a major concern in clients with hyperglycemia. Poor wound healing is common in diabetes due to impaired circulation and immune function.
- Frequent urination, increased thirst, and unexplained 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight loss: Classic symptoms of hyperglycemia and possible diabetes mellitus. Polyuria and polydipsia result from osmotic diuresis due to high blood glucose levels, while unexplained weight loss may indicate the body breaking down fat and muscle for energy.
- Temperature 38.3° C (100.9° F): Fever indicates a possible systemic infection. In diabetic clients, infections can progress rapidly and lead to complications such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis.
- Heart rate 104/min: Tachycardia may be a response to fever, dehydration, or underlying infection. Persistent tachycardia could indicate worsening sepsis or hemodynamic instability.
- Blood pressure 98/74 mm Hg: While not critically low, this blood pressure is on the lower end and could indicate early signs of dehydration from polyuria or systemic infection.
- Blood glucose 250 mg/dL: Significantly elevated blood glucose suggests poor glycemic control, increasing the risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if it continues to rise.:
- Respiratory rate 18/min: A normal respiratory rate does not indicate respiratory distress or metabolic compensation.
- Oxygen saturation 97% on room air: Oxygenation is within the normal range, suggesting no immediate hypoxia.
- WBC count 9,500/mm³: Within the normal range, although an infection may still be present given the fever and purulent wound drainage.
- Triiodothyronine (T3) 200 mg/dL: Within normal limits, ruling out thyroid dysfunction as a cause of symptoms.
- BMI 27: Slightly overweight but not directly contributing to the acute condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 150 mL of greenish yellow NG drainage: This amount and color of drainage are expected after abdominal surgery, as bile-stained gastric contents can be present. It does not indicate a complication that requires provider notification.
B. Client requests medication for nausea: Nausea is a common postoperative symptom, often managed with antiemetics. While it should be addressed, it is not an urgent finding that requires immediate provider notification.
C. Urinary output of 250 mL over past 12 hr: Oliguria, defined as urine output less than 30 mL/hr (or less than 400 mL in 24 hr), suggests inadequate renal perfusion, possibly due to hypovolemia or acute kidney injury. This finding requires prompt provider notification.
D. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Reduced bowel activity is common after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia and opioid use. While monitoring is necessary, hypoactive sounds alone are not an urgent concern unless accompanied by other signs of ileus or obstruction.
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