Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Full-length
Passage / Scenario
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 62-year-old client.Progress Notes
Emergency Department
0900: The client is brought to the emergency department by a family member after being found confused and lethargic. On arrival, the client is obtunded and does not respond to verbal stimuli.
Medical history includes major depressive disorder and chronic neck and back pain after a motor vehicle collision 2 years ago. The family member states that the client takes multiple medications but does not know which kind. The client was divorced a few months ago.
Physical examination shows 1-mm pupils, shallow breathing, and reduced bowel sounds. Fingerstick blood glucose is 78 mg/dL (4.3 mmol/L). ECG reveals normal sinus rhythm. Breath alcohol test is negative.
Vital signs: T 98.1 F (36.7 C), P 62, RR 8, BP 80/40, SpO, 94% on room air.
What condition should the nurse suspect?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Opioid intoxication is indicated by pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, obtundation, and hypotension, consistent with the client's history of chronic pain and positive opioid urine screen. Meningitis typically involves fever and neck stiffness, TIA involves focal neurological deficits, and Wernicke's involves confusion with ocular abnormalities and ataxia.