A nurse is preparing to administer verapamil to a client who is 2 days postmyocardial infarction.
The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following outcomes as a therapeutic response to the medication?

Choice A rationale

Assessing the apical heart rate is important but not the first priority when administering morphine. Respiratory rate takes precedence due to the risk of respiratory depression, a common adverse effect of opioids.

Choice B rationale

Monitoring blood pressure is essential, but the first priority is to assess respiratory rate to promptly identify and address any respiratory depression, which is a critical side effect of morphine administration.

Choice C rationale

Respiratory rate must be assessed first because morphine can cause respiratory depression. Early detection of decreased respiratory rate ensures timely intervention and prevention of severe complications related to opioid use.

Choice D rationale

Level of consciousness should be monitored, as morphine can cause sedation. However, the initial priority is to assess respiratory rate to detect any immediate life-threatening respiratory depression caused by the opioid. .

Choice A rationale

Brown-colored urine is a common side effect of nitrofurantoin and is typically not harmful. It occurs due to the drug being metabolized and excreted in the urine, which can alter its color.

Choice B rationale

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections. It is not indicated for relief of peripheral nerve pain, which is typically managed with medications like gabapentin or pregabalin.

Choice C rationale

Crushing nitrofurantoin tablets can alter the medication’s absorption and effectiveness. It is recommended to swallow the tablets whole to ensure proper release and action of the drug in the body.

Choice D rationale

Developing a cough while taking nitrofurantoin could indicate a hypersensitivity reaction or a serious pulmonary condition like interstitial lung disease. Reporting this symptom is crucial for timely evaluation and intervention.