A nurse is caring for a client who reports difficulty breathing during the administration of an intermittent IV bolus of nafcillin. After stopping the infusion and notifying the provider, the nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications?

A. "Instruct the client's visitors not to operate the PCA pump.” Only the client should press the PCA button to self-administer medication. Allowing visitors or family members to press the button ("PCA by proxy") increases the risk of over-sedation, respiratory depression, and opioid toxicity. The nurse should reinforce to visitors that only the client should control medication delivery based on their own pain level.

B. "Check the client's pain level every 8 hours." Pain assessment should be performed more frequently than every 8 hours when a client is receiving morphine PCA. Pain, sedation level, and respiratory status should be monitored every 1–2 hours initially and then at regular intervals as determined by hospital protocol to ensure effective pain management and prevent complications such as respiratory depression.

C. "Diarrhea is an adverse effect of morphine PCA." Morphine is an opioid analgesic that commonly causes constipation, not diarrhea. Opioids slow gastric motility, which can lead to delayed bowel movements, bloating, and discomfort. Clients on long-term opioid therapy often require stool softeners or laxatives to prevent opioid-induced constipation.

D. "Using morphine PCA increases the client's risk of toxicity." PCA pumps are designed with preset dose limits and lockout intervals to prevent overdose. While there is a risk of opioid toxicity if the system is misused (e.g., PCA by proxy or improper settings), PCA is actually safer than traditional opioid administration methods because it allows for precise dosing and patient-controlled pain management. Proper monitoring helps prevent complications.

A. Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a healthy carbohydrate and fiber source, but it is not a significant source of potassium, which is essential for clients taking furosemide. While beneficial for overall health, oatmeal will not help counteract potassium loss caused by diuretic therapy.

B. Baked potatoes. Baked potatoes are rich in potassium, which is frequently lost due to furosemide’s potassium-wasting effects. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and depletes electrolytes, particularly potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels). To help maintain electrolyte balance, clients should consume potassium-rich foods like potatoes, bananas, oranges, and spinach.

C. Brown rice. Brown rice is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, but it contains only small amounts of potassium. While it provides sustained energy, it does not significantly contribute to potassium replacement, making it less beneficial for clients on furosemide.

D. Eggs. Eggs are high in protein and essential nutrients but are not a significant source of potassium. While eggs are beneficial for overall health, they do not help replenish potassium lost due to diuretic therapy.