A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a caregiver about how to safely prepare formula for their 3-day-old newborn. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale:

• Naloxone: The client received fentanyl and is now showing signs of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Respiratory rate has decreased to 10/min and oxygen saturation to 87%. Naloxone will reverse the opioid’s effects and restore adequate respiratory effort.

• An additional dose of propofol: The client’s level of sedation is already too deep, as shown by low respiratory rate and blood pressure. Additional propofol would worsen central nervous system depression. It may cause complete apnea or cardiac compromise in this situation.

• Oxygen 10 L/min via face mask: The current oxygen flow via nasal cannula is insufficient given the client's low oxygen saturation. A face mask delivers higher oxygen concentration and flow. This is critical to correct hypoxia until the cause is reversed.

• Acetaminophen: There is no fever or current complaint of pain requiring antipyretics or analgesics. Administering acetaminophen now would not address the acute respiratory issue. It would delay more urgent and appropriate interventions.

• An additional dose of fentanyl: Administering more opioid would increase the risk of further respiratory depression. The client is already showing hypoventilation and declining oxygenation. More fentanyl would worsen sedation and endanger airway and breathing.

• Propranolol: The client is already hypotensive with a BP of 80/51 mm Hg and a heart rate of 68/min. Giving a beta blocker could severely depress cardiac output. This would increase the risk of organ hypoperfusion and cardiac arrest.

Rationale:

A. Reinforce client teaching about walking with crutches: Teaching or reinforcing client education is a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to assistive personnel. It requires assessment, evaluation, and knowledge of the client's learning needs and physical limitations.

B. Plan care for a client who has dysphagia: Care planning involves critical thinking and individualized assessment, which fall under the registered nurse’s scope of practice. Dysphagia management also requires knowledge of aspiration risk and appropriate interventions.

C. Transfer a client who is receiving radiation therapy to radiology: Transferring stable clients to departments such as radiology is within the scope of assistive personnel, as long as the client does not require specialized monitoring or assessment during the transfer.

D. Record urine output for a client who has a suprapubic catheter: Measuring and documenting urinary output is a routine task that assistive personnel can perform. The catheter type does not affect the ability to carry out this basic observation.

E. Measure vital signs for a client who requires contact precautions: Assistive personnel are trained to take vital signs and follow isolation protocols. Measuring vital signs under contact precautions is appropriate as long as proper PPE and hygiene practices are followed.