The nurse has identified several diagnoses for a client in the hospital. Which problems should the nurse identify as having highest priority?

Problems that cause severe discomfort to the client

Problems the client deems most important

Problems that are immediately life-threatening for the client

Problems that are identified as priority by the physician

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Problems that cause severe discomfort to the client: While addressing discomfort is important in providing holistic care, it is not the highest priority in nursing. The nurse’s primary focus should be on life-threatening issues or those that could deteriorate the client’s condition rapidly. Severe discomfort can be managed once immediate threats to life are addressed.

B) Problems the client deems most important: Although it’s essential to consider the client’s perspective and involve them in their care plan, problems that are most important to the client may not always be the most urgent or life-threatening. For example, the client may prioritize pain management, but addressing life-threatening issues must always take precedence.

C) Problems that are immediately life-threatening for the client: This is the correct answer. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the nursing prioritization framework, life-threatening problems should always be the nurse's first priority. These are issues that, if not addressed immediately, can lead to death or severe complications. For instance, airway obstruction, severe bleeding, or shock would require immediate intervention.

D) Problems that are identified as priority by the physician: While the physician’s orders and priorities should be taken into consideration, the nurse must independently assess and prioritize care based on the overall health status of the client. This includes using clinical judgment to identify life-threatening conditions, even if they are not explicitly stated in the physician’s orders. Nurses are trained to identify priority issues through their assessments and are responsible for making decisions that ensure the client’s safety.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Opioid drugs are highly addictive, and the healthcare provider is concerned you will become addicted: While it is true that opioids have the potential for addiction, this response does not address the actual reason for the difference in morphine dosages. The provider's decision is likely based on the pharmacokinetics of the drug rather than a concern about addiction. This response could create unnecessary concern for the client and does not explain the dose discrepancy.

B) Morphine is highly bound to protein in your blood, and you are at risk for toxicity due to surgery: While morphine is protein-bound, the primary reason for the difference in the intravenous (IV) dose is not related to protein binding. The main difference is related to the route of administration and how the body processes the drug. The nurse should provide a more accurate explanation regarding the absorption and metabolism of morphine rather than focusing on protein binding or potential toxicity.

C) "Morphine taken by mouth passes through the liver, and some of the medication is made inactive": This is the best response. When morphine is taken orally, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and passes through the liver before reaching systemic circulation, a process known as the "first-pass effect." During this process, a portion of the drug is metabolized and rendered inactive, meaning that a higher oral dose is required to achieve the desired effect. When morphine is administered intravenously, it bypasses the liver and directly enters the bloodstream, leading to a more immediate and potent effect, which is why a lower dose is needed.

D) "The healthcare provider is cautious with opioids and starts low and adjusts the dose up as needed": While this is a valid approach to opioid prescribing, it doesn't fully explain why the client is receiving a smaller dose intravenously. The reason for the dose difference is based on the route of administration and the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug, not just a general cautious approach. This answer doesn't provide a clear explanation of why the IV dose is smaller.

A. Peptic ulcer B. Asthma C. Heart disease D. Glaucoma

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Peptic ulcer: Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking acetylcholine, which can reduce nausea and motion sickness. While scopolamine can have anticholinergic effects that may slightly reduce gastric motility, it is not directly contraindicated in clients with a history of peptic ulcer. The medication does not significantly exacerbate the condition of peptic ulcers.

B) Asthma: While scopolamine can have anticholinergic effects that may lead to dry mouth and slight airway narrowing, it is not contraindicated in clients with asthma. However, the nurse should be cautious and monitor the client for any signs of respiratory distress, as anticholinergic medications can cause some bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, which could theoretically worsen asthma symptoms. It is not an absolute contraindication.

C) Heart disease: Scopolamine is not specifically contraindicated for individuals with heart disease, although caution should be used in patients with cardiovascular conditions due to its potential effects on heart rate and blood pressure. However, heart disease itself is not a direct contraindication for the use of scopolamine.

D) Glaucoma: Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication, and anticholinergics can increase intraocular pressure. This is especially dangerous for clients with narrow-angle glaucoma, as the medication can exacerbate the condition, leading to a potential acute glaucoma attack. Therefore, individuals with a history of glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma, should avoid scopolamine.

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The nurse has identified several diagnoses for a client in the hospital. Which problems should the nurse identify as having highest priority?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The healthcare provider has ordered 5 mg morphine intravenously for pain control. At home, the client takes 30mg of morphine sulfate by mouth twice daily. The client asks the nurse why they are receiving such a small dose. What is the best response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The health care provider prescribes scopolamine for a client who is planning to take cruise and is concerned about motion sickness. What information in the past medical history would serve as a contraindication for this medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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