A nurse is planning to administer medications to an older adult client who has dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Increased respiratory rate.
Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioids like morphine. When administered to a client who has developed an adverse reaction to morphine, naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression. Therefore, an increased respiratory rate is a therapeutic effect of naloxone, as it helps restore normal breathing patterns in clients who are experiencing respiratory depression due to opioid overdose.
B. Decreased blood pressure: Naloxone is not primarily used to affect blood pressure. Its primary goal is to reverse opioid overdose effects, particularly respiratory depression.
C. Increased pain relief: Naloxone does not directly increase pain relief. Its primary action is to reverse the effects of opioids at the receptor sites, which can also lead to the reduction of pain relief provided by opioids. However, its main role is the reversal of opioid overdose effects, not enhancing pain relief.
D. Decreased nausea: Nausea is a common side effect of opioid use. While naloxone can help reverse opioid overdose effects, it does not necessarily directly address nausea. Its main purpose is to restore normal respiratory function in cases of opioid overdose.

A. Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes:
This is the correct choice. When a nurse administers a fraction of a tablet, it is not safe or appropriate to store the remaining portion for future use, even if another dose is scheduled. Hydromorphone tablets are meant to be taken whole, and cutting or breaking them can lead to inconsistent dosages. It's important to follow safe medication administration practices and dispose of the unused portion while another nurse observes, ensuring proper disposal.
B. Store the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system:
This choice is incorrect. Storing a fraction of a tablet in the automated medication dispensing system is not appropriate. The system is designed for intact medications, and splitting tablets could compromise the accuracy and safety of future doses.
C. Place the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package:
This choice is incorrect. Placing a partial tablet back into a unit-dose package could lead to confusion and potential administration errors in the future. The medication packaging should reflect the correct and complete dosage as prescribed.
D. Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy:
This choice is incorrect. Returning a partially used tablet to the pharmacy is not advisable, as the pharmacy cannot ensure the tablet's integrity or accurately verify its dosage. Medication storage and handling standards are in place to ensure patient safety, and using a fraction of a tablet may compromise those standards.