A client indicates to the nurse a pain level of 8 out of 10. The nurse notes the client has an order for morphine 4 mg IV Q 6 hr PRN for moderate to severe pain. The client's blood pressure is 80/54 mm Hg, respirations 10 breaths/min, and pulse 62 beats/min. Which action should the nurse take?

Tell the client he can no longer have any more pain medication

Notify the prescribing physician

Administer half the dose of morphine, 2 mg IV

Administer 4 mg of morphine IV as ordered

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Tell the client he can no longer have any more pain medication: This is not appropriate. The client’s severe pain needs to be managed, but the current vital signs suggest a need for careful evaluation before administration.
B. Notify the prescribing physician: This is the correct choice. The client's blood pressure and respiratory rate are significantly low, which could be exacerbated by morphine. The physician needs to be informed to reassess pain management and possibly adjust the treatment.
C. Administer half the dose of morphine, 2 mg IV: Given the client's low blood pressure and respiratory rate, any morphine administration could worsen these issues. Adjusting the dose without physician guidance is not appropriate.
D. Administer 4 mg of morphine IV as ordered: Administering the full dose without addressing the client’s low blood pressure and respiratory rate could lead to severe complications.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Assess airway patency: Ensuring the airway is patent is the highest priority because compromised airway patency can lead to life-threatening respiratory complications. This is the first step in the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) of emergency and postoperative care.
B. Check the dressing to assess bleeding: While assessing the dressing for bleeding is important, it is secondary to ensuring the client has a patent airway. Uncontrolled bleeding can be addressed after confirming the client can breathe adequately.
C. Check tubes or drains for patency: Checking tubes and drains for patency is also important, but it should be done after ensuring the client's airway is secure. This step is essential for preventing complications but is not as immediately critical as airway assessment.
D. Assess all vital signs: Assessing vital signs is crucial, but it follows after ensuring airway patency. Vital signs provide comprehensive information about the client's status, but an obstructed airway must be addressed first to ensure effective breathing and oxygenation.

A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride B. 10% dextrose in water C. 5% dextrose in water D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride E. Limited ambulation

Correct Answer is ["B"]

Explanation

B. Temperature 38.6°C (101.4°F): An elevated temperature in the postoperative period may indicate an infection, which requires immediate evaluation and management.
A. Heart rate 72 beats/min: This is within the normal range and does not indicate an urgent issue.
C. Surgical dressing dry and intact: This is a positive finding and does not require immediate attention.
D. Pain rating 3 out of 10: This level of pain is manageable and does not indicate a severe issue.
E. Limited ambulation: Limited ambulation is expected post-surgery and does not necessarily indicate an urgent problem.

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A client indicates to the nurse a pain level of 8 out of 10. The nurse notes the client has an order for morphine 4 mg IV Q 6 hr PRN for moderate to severe pain. The client's blood pressure is 80/54 mm Hg, respirations 10 breaths/min, and pulse 62 beats/min. Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is being transferred to the medical-surgical unit from the PACU after receiving general anesthesia for a procedure. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse when the client arrives on the unit?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with dry skin and mucous membranes is weak, has orthostatic blood pressure changes, and has decreased urine output. The serum osmolality is 290 mOsm/kg. What IV fluid should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this client?

Correct Answer is ["B"]

Explanation

The nurse is providing teaching to the client about the use of vitamins and supplements. The nurse would state that vitamin D has a major role in which process?

A client indicates to the nurse a pain level of 8 out of 10. The nurse notes the client has an order for morphine 4 mg IV Q 6 hr PRN for moderate to severe pain. The client's blood pressure is 80/54 mm Hg, respirations 10 breaths/min, and pulse 62 beats/min. Which action should the nurse take?

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