Naloxone is administered to an adult client following a suicide attempt with an overdose of hydrocodone bitartrate. Within 15 minutes, the client is alert and oriented. In planning nursing care, which intervention has the highest priority at this time?
Determine the client’s reason for attempting suicide.
Obtain the client’s serum hydrocodone/acetaminophen level.
Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
Observe the client for further narcotic effects.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Determine the client’s reason for attempting suicide: While assessing suicidal intent is important, the immediate priority is ensuring the client's physiological stability. Suicidal ideation can be addressed once the client is medically stable.
B. Obtain the client’s serum hydrocodone/acetaminophen level: This may be ordered, but it is not the highest priority. Clinical observation is more urgent, especially because naloxone has a shorter half-life than many opioids, including hydrocodone.
C. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake: This is not a priority intervention in the immediate post-overdose period and does not address the risk of opioid rebound toxicity.
D. Observe the client for further narcotic effects: Naloxone has a short duration of action (typically 30–90 minutes), whereas hydrocodone has a longer half-life. Once naloxone wears off, respiratory depression and sedation can recur. Continuous monitoring is critical to ensure timely re-administration if opioid effects return.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inquiring about recent stresses is relevant but may not specifically address the emotional state associated with depression.
B. Asking about food preferences is important for a comprehensive assessment but may not be the most direct question for assessing depression.
C. Inquiring about whether the client often feels sad is crucial for assessing the emotional aspect of depression.
D. While changes in sleep patterns are significant, the question about feeling sad directly addresses the emotional component of depression, which is important for a comprehensive assessment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inquiring about the client’s support system may be important, but the immediate concern is the statement indicating a potential risk of harm.
B. Asking the client to repeat the comment may not be as effective as taking immediate action to prevent harm.
C. Stopping the client from leaving the ED is the priority to ensure the client's safety and prevent the potential act of self-harm.
D. Recording the statement in the client's chart is important but should be done after taking immediate action to address the potential risk.
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