Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
History and PhysicalThe client is a 42-year-old female who had a right above-the-knee amputation for osteomyelitis. The client has a drain in place and a surgical dressing that will need to be changed by the surgeon on post-op day 1.
Nurses' Notes
1400: Started continuous morphine in the left antecubital vein peripheral intravenous line. No redness, edema, or bleeding noted at the site. Vital signs: heart rate 77 bpm, blood pressure 118/74 mmHg, respiratory rate 16.
1800: Vital signs: heart rate 79 bpm, blood pressure 114/78 mmHg, respiratory rate 14.
1900: Responded to an alarm in the room. The client is not responsive. Her respiratory rate is 5 bpm. Her heart rate is 92 bpm. Her pupils are pinpoint.
Orders
ÔÇó Admit to the surgical floor
ÔÇó Clear liquid diet, advance as tolerated
ÔÇó Continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring
ÔÇó Morphine 1 mg/hr intravenously
ÔÇó Alert surgeon to signs of bleeding or infection in the surgical site
ÔÇó Docusate sodium 240 mg orally every am
ÔÇó Naloxone 2 mg intravenously as needed for respiratory depression
ÔÇó Ibuprofen 600 mg orally every 6 hours
What should the nurse do immediately? Select all that apply.
Correct answer
B,C,F
Rationale
Low responsiveness and respiratory rate suggest morphine overdose. Rescue breaths, naloxone (opioid antagonist), and rapid response address respiratory depression. ECG, oxygen, and compressions are secondary without specific indications.