A nurse is collecting data from an adolescent who is postoperative and is receiving morphine for pain. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Respiratory rate 10/min.
Bladder distention.
BP 108/64 mm Hg.
Nausea and vomiting.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The nurse's priority in this situation is the respiratory rate of 10/min. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is significantly low and could indicate respiratory depression, especially if the patient is receiving morphine, which is known to depress the respiratory system. This could lead to inadequate oxygenation, potential hypoxia, and other life-threatening complications.
Choice B reason:
Bladder distention may be a concern, but it is not the nurse's priority in this situation. Bladder distention can cause discomfort and urinary retention, but it is not an immediate life- threatening condition compared to potential respiratory depression.
Choice C reason:
A blood pressure of 108/64 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adolescent and may not be the nurse's priority at this time. Although it should be monitored, it does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life.
Choice D reason:
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of morphine administration, but they are not the nurse's priority in this situation. While they can cause distress and discomfort to the patient, they are not life-threatening conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"I will reinforce the patch edges with clear tape if they don't lie flat.".
Choice A reason:
Placing a heat pack on the patch to improve adhesion is not recommended. Heat can potentially increase the absorption of the medication and lead to adverse effects. Applying additional heat to the patch can be dangerous and may cause an overdose or other complications.
Choice B reason:
Placing the patch on the back side of the child's arm is not the correct application site for a methylphenidate transdermal patch. The appropriate site for application is typically the hip or the top of the buttocks. The back of the arm may not provide proper absorption and can result in suboptimal medication delivery.
Choice C reason:
This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Reinforcing the patch edges with clear tape if they don't lie flat is a recommended step to ensure proper adhesion of the patch. If the edges of the patch lift or don't stick properly, using clear tape can help keep the patch securely in place, ensuring continuous and consistent drug delivery.
Choice D reason:
Leaving the patch in place for no more than 9 hours is incorrect. The duration of wear for a methylphenidate transdermal patch varies depending on the specific brand and formulation. Typically, these patches are designed for 9 to 12 hours of wear, and leaving them on for a shorter duration may result in inadequate symptom control.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Following the rupture of membranes, delivery is imminent and administration of glucocorticoids may not take effect to benefit the baby.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring the client's temperature (Choice B) is important as the client is at risk of chorioamnionitis which may increase the risk of severe early neonatal sepsis. Changes in temperature as they may warrant anibiotic therapy and immediate delivery.
Choice C reason:
Giving calcium gluconate (Choice C) is not indicated in this situation. Calcium gluconate is typically administered in cases of magnesium sulfate toxicity or to treat hypocalcemia, neither of which is mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, it is not the appropriate action for the nurse to take at this time.
Choice D reason:
Preparing the client for an amniocentesis (Choice D) is not the correct action in this situation. An amniocentesis is a procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn for various diagnostic reasons, such as genetic testing or assessing fetal lung maturity. However, in this scenario, the priority is to administer glucocorticoids to promote fetal lung maturity, and an amniocentesis does not address this immediate concern.
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