The nurse is caring for a child who is receiving a narcotic for pain relief. Which of the following assessment should be a priority in monitoring the child (select all that apply)?
Respirations
Level of consciousness
Oxygen saturations.
Bowel Sounds
Correct Answer : A,B,C
A. Respirations: Monitoring respiratory rate and pattern is crucial when a child is receiving narcotics, as these medications can depress the respiratory system. Rapid or shallow breathing may indicate respiratory distress.
B. Level of consciousness: This is important to assess for any signs of sedation or altered mental status, which can be a side effect of narcotics.
C. Oxygen saturations: Monitoring oxygen saturations is essential, especially if there are concerns about respiratory depression. A decrease in oxygen saturations could indicate inadequate ventilation.
D. Bowel sounds: While bowel sounds are important to assess for gastrointestinal function, they are not the top priority when monitoring a child receiving narcotics. Respiratory and central nervous system status take precedence.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decrease inflammation in the bronchioles to open up the airway:
This is more characteristic of corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory medications. Albuterol primarily acts as a bronchodilator, not an anti-inflammatory.
B. Relax bronchial smooth muscles to decrease bronchospasm:
This is the correct answer. Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that acts on bronchial smooth muscles, causing them to relax and reducing bronchospasm.
C. Slow the respiratory rate to improve oxygenation:
Albuterol is not typically associated with slowing the respiratory rate. Instead, it works by dilating the airways.
D. Decrease mucus production in the bronchioles to improve aeration:
Albuterol primarily addresses bronchospasm, and while it may indirectly help with mucus clearance, reducing mucus production is not its primary action.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Peak expiratory flow meter:
- A peak expiratory flow meter is a device used to measure how fast a person can exhale. It is commonly used to monitor and manage asthma by assessing the degree of airway obstruction. Regular use can help determine how well asthma is controlled and whether changes in the management plan are needed.
B. Inhaled steroids:
- Inhaled steroids are a type of long-term control medication used to manage asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways. While these are essential for controlling symptoms, they do not directly assess how well the asthma is currently controlled.
C. Metered dose inhaler with spacer:
- A metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer is a device used to deliver medication directly to the lungs. While it is a crucial part of asthma management, it does not directly measure how well the asthma is controlled.
D. Pulse oximetry:
- Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation in the blood and is useful in assessing respiratory status. However, it is not specific to asthma control and may not provide a comprehensive picture of asthma management.
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