The physician orders tramadol 100 mg oral three times a day. Tramadol is available in 50-mg tablets. How many tablets would the nurse administer with each dose?

A. Check the patient's apical rate to check for a pulse deficit. While an apical pulse assessment may be useful later, the priority in a sudden drop in blood pressure with signs of fainting is to ensure adequate circulation by checking a central pulse.
B. Immediately check the client's carotid pulse. A significant blood pressure drop (132/82 to 104/52), pale skin, and signs of fainting suggest possible shock or circulatory collapse. The carotid pulse should be checked immediately to assess perfusion.
C. Elevate the head of the patient's bed to at least 45 degrees. Raising the head of the bed could worsen hypotension and decrease blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of syncope. The Trendelenburg position or lying flat may be more appropriate.
D. Report the findings to the health care provider immediately. While the provider should be notified, the priority action is to assess circulation by checking the carotid pulse first before escalating care.

A. Hyperventilation. Opioid overdose depresses the central nervous system, leading to slow and shallow breathing, not increased respiratory rate (hyperventilation).
B. Eupnea. Eupnea refers to normal breathing, which is unlikely in opioid overdose because opioids suppress respiratory drive.
C. Bradypnea. Opioids act on the brainstem's respiratory centers, leading to respiratory depression, characterized by slow breathing (bradypnea) and, in severe cases, respiratory arrest. This is the most life-threatening effect requiring immediate intervention.
D. Hyperpnea. Hyperpnea refers to deep breathing, which is not a typical response to opioid overdose. Instead, breathing becomes slow and shallow, increasing the risk of hypoxia.