Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client 15 min after administering morphine sulfate 2 mg via IV push. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Respiratory rate 8/min. Morphine sulfate is an opioid that can cause respiratory depression as an adverse effect. A respiratory rate of 8/min is abnormally low and indicates hypoventilation, which is a serious adverse effect that requires immediate intervention. SaO2 of 94% is slightly low but not as concerning as respiratory depression. Pain level of 6 is not related to the medication's adverse effects. Feeling sleepy and arousing with stimulation is a common side effect of morphine but not necessarily indicative of an adverse effect. In summary, the key is to recognize the potential life-threatening adverse effect of respiratory depression with opioids like morphine.