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 A
Explanation
A. Glucagon 1 mg IM: Glucagon is used to treat severe hypoglycemia when the client is unconscious, having seizures, or unable to take oral glucose. It stimulates glycogen breakdown in the liver, raising blood glucose levels. IM administration is appropriate for rapid effect in an emergency.
B. Continuous IV infusion of regular insulin: Insulin lowers blood glucose levels, which would worsen hypoglycemia. Administering insulin in this situation is inappropriate and could exacerbate the client’s condition.
C. 10 g of oral glucose gel: Oral glucose is suitable for mild to moderate hypoglycemia in a conscious client. However, since the client is experiencing a seizure, they are unable to swallow safely, making this option unsafe.
D. 1 L bolus of 0.45% sodium chloride over 1 hr: Hypoglycemia is not primarily treated with IV fluids unless the client is severely dehydrated. The priority in this case is to correct the low blood glucose level rather than administering hypotonic fluids.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Initiate oxygen therapy: Sepsis can lead to tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction due to impaired perfusion. Oxygen therapy is the priority to ensure adequate oxygenation, prevent respiratory failure, and support vital organ function.
B. Administer antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are essential to treat the underlying infection, but they should be given after obtaining blood cultures to ensure accurate pathogen identification and prevent delays in appropriate therapy.
C. Obtain blood cultures: Blood cultures must be collected before antibiotic administration to identify the causative organism, but stabilizing the client's oxygenation and perfusion takes precedence in acute management.
D. Begin an IV crystalloid infusion: Fluid resuscitation is crucial for managing septic shock, but oxygen therapy should be initiated first to immediately improve oxygen delivery and prevent hypoxia-related complications.
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