The nurse notes that a client has been receiving hydromorphone every six hours for four days. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?
Count the apical and radial pulses simultaneously.
Observe for edema around the ankles.
Auscultate the client’s bowel sounds.
Measure the client’s capillary glucose level.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Counting the apical and radial pulses simultaneously can help detect pulse deficits, which may indicate cardiac issues. However, this is not the most critical assessment for a client receiving hydromorphone.
Choice B reason:
Observing for edema around the ankles is important for assessing fluid retention and potential heart failure. While relevant, it is not the primary concern for a client on hydromorphone.
Choice C reason:
Auscultating the client’s bowel sounds is crucial because hydromorphone, like other opioids, can cause constipation and potentially lead to paralytic ileus, a serious condition where the intestines stop moving food through. Monitoring bowel sounds helps detect early signs of this complication.
Choice D reason:
Measuring the client’s capillary glucose level is important for diabetic patients or those at risk of hyperglycemia. However, it is not directly related to the administration of hydromorphone.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F","G","H"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Shaking is lessened: This indicates that the client’s nervous system is stabilizing. Shaking or tremors can be a sign of an adverse drug reaction, particularly if the reaction involves the central nervous system. The lessening of shaking suggests that the adverse effects are subsiding and the client’s condition is improving.
Choice B reason:
Client is no longer flushed: Flushing is a common symptom of an adverse drug reaction, particularly with medications like vancomycin, which can cause “red man syndrome.” The absence of flushing indicates that the reaction is resolving and the client’s skin is returning to its normal state.
Choice C reason:
No longer itching: Itching is a common symptom of an allergic reaction. The cessation of itching suggests that the histamine response is diminishing, indicating that the adverse reaction is being controlled and the client is recovering.
Choice D reason:
Anxiety has decreased: Anxiety can be a symptom of an adverse drug reaction, particularly if the reaction involves the cardiovascular or nervous system. The decrease in anxiety indicates that the client’s overall condition is stabilizing and that the adverse effects are subsiding.
Choice E reason:
Skin warm and dry: Normal skin temperature and moisture levels indicate that the client’s autonomic nervous system is functioning properly. This is a positive sign that the adverse drug reaction is resolving and the client’s body is returning to its normal state.
Choice F reason:
Heart rate 62 beats/minute, blood pressure 130/72 mm Hg: These vital signs are within normal ranges for a resting adult. A normal heart rate (60-100 beats per minute) and blood pressure (less than 120/80 mm Hg) indicate that the client’s cardiovascular system is stabilizing and that the adverse drug reaction is resolving.
Choice G reason:
No chest pain noted: The absence of chest pain is a positive sign, as chest pain can be a symptom of a severe adverse drug reaction, particularly if it involves the cardiovascular system. The lack of chest pain indicates that the client’s condition is improving.
Choice H reason:
Respirations are even and unlabored: Normal respiratory function indicates that the client’s respiratory system is not being adversely affected by the drug reaction. Even and unlabored respirations suggest that the client is recovering and that the adverse effects are subsiding.
Choice I reason:
Drowsy: While drowsiness can be a side effect of medications like diphenhydramine, it can also indicate that the client’s body is relaxing and recovering from the adverse drug reaction. Drowsiness in this context is a sign that the client is stabilizing and that the adverse effects are being managed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
While monitoring temperature is important for overall health assessment, it is not the most critical vital sign to check first in the context of opioid-induced lethargy. Opioids primarily affect the respiratory system, and respiratory depression is a significant risk. Therefore, temperature is not the priority in this scenario.
Choice B Reason:
Respiratory rate is the most critical vital sign to check first. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. A decreased respiratory rate is a key indicator of opioid overdose or severe side effects. Monitoring the respiratory rate allows the nurse to assess the severity of the respiratory depression and take immediate action if necessary.
Choice C Reason:
Pulse rate is also an important vital sign, but it is secondary to respiratory rate in this context. While opioids can affect heart rate, the immediate concern with opioid-induced lethargy is respiratory depression. Therefore, checking the respiratory rate takes precedence over the pulse rate.
Choice D Reason:
Blood pressure is another vital sign that should be monitored, but it is not the first priority in this situation. Opioids can cause hypotension, but the primary and most immediate concern is respiratory depression. Therefore, the respiratory rate should be assessed first to ensure the client’s airway and breathing are adequate.