Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Full-length
The nurse administers the prescribed dose of hydromorphone 2 mg to a client who had knee replacement surgery 2 days ago. Which assessment finding is most concerning to the nurse?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Falling asleep mid-conversation (A) may indicate opioid-induced respiratory depression, a life-threatening concern. Constipation (B), emesis (C), and pruritus (D) are less urgent side effects.