A postoperative client's respiratory rate decreased from 14 breaths/minute to 6 breaths/minute after administration of an opioid analgesic. Thirty minutes later, the client's respiratory rate decreases to 4 breaths/minute, and the nurse caring for the client notifies the healthcare provider and administers a dose of intravenous (IV) naloxone. The charge nurse should counsel the nurse regarding which intervention?
The initial administration of the analgesic.
The decision regarding when to call the healthcare provider.
The documentation of the client's respiratory rate.
The administration of naloxone via IV.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: The initial administration of the analgesic is not an intervention that the charge nurse should counsel the nurse about. The opioid analgesic was prescribed by the healthcare provider and was appropriate for the postoperative pain management of the client.
Choice B Reason: The decision regarding when to call the healthcare provider is an intervention that the charge nurse should counsel the nurse about. The nurse should have called the healthcare provider as soon as the client's
respiratory rate decreased to 6 breaths/minute, which is a sign of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Waiting for another 30 minutes until the respiratory rate decreased to 4 breaths/minute could have put the client at risk of hypoxia, brain damage, or death.
Choice C Reason: The documentation of the client's respiratory rate is not an intervention that the charge nurse should counsel the nurse about. The nurse documented the client's respiratory rate accurately and timely, which is part of the standard of care and legal responsibility of the nurse.
Choice D Reason: The administration of naloxone via IV is not an intervention that the charge nurse should counsel the nurse about. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids and restores normal respiration. Administering naloxone via IV is the fastest and most effective way to treat opioid-induced respiratory depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Listening for the presence of bowel sounds is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires a stethoscope and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should assess the client's bowel function and abdominal status.
Choice B Reason: Teaching the client about foods high in fiber is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires knowledge and education skills. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should provide dietary advice and counseling to the client and their family.
Choice C Reason: Administering a prescribed dose of a laxative is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires medication administration skills and authority. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should check the medication order, verify the dosage and route, and document the administration.
Choice D Reason: Assisting the client to drink warm prune juice is a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires basic care and assistance skills. This task is appropriate for the home health aide, who should encourage fluid intake and offer natural remedies for constipation, such as prune juice, which has laxative effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Managed healthcare plans do not pay for any in-hospital medical evaluations is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This statement is false and misleading. Managed healthcare plans may cover in-hospital medical evaluations if they are deemed medically necessary and authorized by the plan. The nurse should not discourage the family from seeking appropriate care for their mother based on inaccurate information.
Choice B Reason: Healthcare costs are escalating because clients want to have diagnostic testing conducted in the hospital is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This statement is irrelevant and insensitive. Healthcare costs are influenced by many factors, such as technology, inflation, regulation, and demand. The nurse should not blame the clients for wanting to have diagnostic testing done in the hospital, which may be essential for their health and well-being.
Choice C Reason: The client is grieving normally in response to her husband's death and hospitalization is not necessary is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This statement is presumptuous and dismissive. Grief is a complex and individual process that may affect people differently. The nurse should not assume that the client's confusion and disorientation are normal signs of grief, which may mask underlying medical conditions that require evaluation and treatment.
Choice D Reason: Managed care providers have mandatory pre-certification requirements for hospitalization is the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This statement is factual and helpful. Pre-certification is a process by which managed care providers review and approve proposed hospital admissions, procedures, or services before they are performed. The nurse should inform the family that they need to obtain pre-certification from their mother's plan before admitting her to the hospital, or they may face denial of coverage or higher out-of-pocket costs.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today