The patient's respirations dropped from 14 breaths/minute to 8 breaths/minute after receiving a large dose of morphine. Which term accurately describes the patient's reaction to the morphine?
Toxic
Allergic
Idiosyncratic
Therapeutic
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Respiratory depression from high morphine doses signals toxicity; opioids suppress the brainstem’s respiratory center, exceeding safe therapeutic levels at this extent.
Choice B reason: Allergic reactions involve immunity (e.g., rash, anaphylaxis); slowed breathing isn’t allergic, but a dose-dependent opioid effect on respiration.
Choice C reason: Idiosyncratic means unexpected (e.g., paradoxical excitement); respiratory depression is a predictable morphine overdose sign, not an unusual reaction.
Choice D reason: Therapeutic effects relieve pain; 8 breaths/minute is dangerously low, beyond intended analgesia, indicating a harmful, not beneficial, outcome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blood aspiration indicates vascular entry; discarding prevents IV administration of a drug meant for another route, avoiding rapid absorption risks or contamination.
Choice B reason: Giving despite blood risks unintended IV delivery; drugs like IM injections aren’t formulated for this, potentially causing toxicity or embolism.
Choice C reason: Changing the needle doesn’t address blood-mixed medication; it remains unsafe for injection, as the dose is compromised and potentially contaminated.
Choice D reason: Omitting skips treatment unnecessarily; the issue is procedural, not the order, and restarting ensures the patient receives the intended therapy safely.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Showing the client isn’t a standard check; patients don’t verify MAR, and this step lacks relevance to the nurse’s triple-check safety protocol.
Choice B reason: Checking before returning ensures accuracy; the third check confirms the right drug post-administration, completing the three-point verification process safely.
Choice C reason: Calling the pharmacy is unrelated; label checks occur during administration, not external consultation, making this an irrelevant timing option.
Choice D reason: Colleague checks aren’t routine; the three checks are individual, and this step doesn’t align with standard MAR verification timing protocols.
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