A patient is post-op from knee surgery. The patient has been receiving Morphine 4 mg IV every 2 hours. The nurse notices the patient is exhibiting a respiratory rate of 8 and is extremely drowsy. Which of the following conditions is the patient at risk for?
Respiratory acidosis
Hypokalemia
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Respiratory acidosis:
This occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the respiratory system. In the case of the patient post-op from knee surgery receiving Morphine, the opioid can cause respiratory depression, leading to the retention of CO2 and the development of respiratory acidosis. Signs include a decreased respiratory rate and drowsiness.
B. Hypokalemia:
This is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. While opioids can cause constipation, they are not directly associated with hypokalemia.
C. Metabolic acidosis:
This occurs when there is an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate, leading to an imbalance in the body's acid-base status. The symptoms of metabolic acidosis are not typically associated with opioid use.
D. Respiratory alkalosis:
This occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Opioids, especially in higher doses, are more likely to cause respiratory depression and acidosis rather than alkalosis. The patient's low respiratory rate and drowsiness are indicative of respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The need to match the daily steroid dose to immediate symptoms:
Explanation: Adjusting the steroid dose based on immediate symptoms is not a recommended approach. Patients should follow the prescribed regimen provided by their healthcare provider.
B. The importance of monitoring liver function:
Explanation: While monitoring liver function is important for some medications, it is not the primary focus when teaching about hormone replacement therapy in Addison's disease. The emphasis is on the need for life-long steroid replacement.
C. The need for life-long steroid replacement:
Explanation: Patients with Addison's disease require life-long steroid replacement therapy to compensate for the deficiency in adrenal hormones. It's important for the patient to understand that adherence to the prescribed steroid regimen is essential for maintaining health and preventing adrenal crisis.
D. The possibility extreme weight loss from the use of corticosteroids:
Explanation: While corticosteroids can have various side effects, extreme weight loss is not a typical or desired outcome of steroid therapy for Addison's disease. Weight changes and potential side effects should be discussed, but the emphasis should be on the importance of long-term steroid replacement.

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. I will inject my insulin by pinching up a large area of skin, and then inserting the needle.
The correct technique for subcutaneous insulin injection involves pinching a small area of skin (creating a skinfold) and inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle. Injecting into a large area might result in inadequate subcutaneous administration.
B. I can mix my regular acting insulin and my Lantus in the same syringe.
Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin that should not be mixed with other insulins. It should be administered separately to maintain its long-acting profile.
C. I can inject my insulin in the same location each time.
This statement is correct. Injecting insulin into the same general area consistently can help with consistent absorption.
D. I can use a needle/syringe more than once since I am the only one using it.
It is not safe to reuse needles or syringes. Single-use needles and syringes should be disposed of properly after each use to prevent infection and other complications.
E. I will discard my used syringes in a hard container, like an empty plastic milk jug.
This statement is correct. Used syringes should be discarded in a puncture-resistant container, and an empty plastic milk jug can serve as a suitable container for disposal.
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