A patient who has a history of ongoing opioid abuse is ...

[mspears3]

A patient who has a history of ongoing opioid abuse is hospitalized for surgery. After a visit by a friend, the nurse finds that the patient is unresponsive with pinpoint pupils. Which prescribed medication will the nurse administer immediately?
 
  a. Naloxone (Narcan)
  b. Diazepam (Valium)
  c. Clonidine (Catapres)
  d. Methadone (Dolophine)

Question 2

The nurse cares for an agitated patient who was admitted to the emergency department after taking a hallucinogenic drug and attempting to jump from a third-story window.
 
  Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse assign as the highest priority?
  a. Risk for injury related to altered perception
  b. Ineffective health maintenance related to drug use
  c. Powerlessness related to loss of behavioral control
  d. Ineffective denial related to lack of control of life situation

[HandsomeMarc]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The patient's assessment indicates an opioid overdose, and naloxone should be given to prevent respiratory arrest. The other medications may be used to decrease symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal but would not be appropriate for an overdose.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Although all the diagnoses may be appropriate for the patient, the highest priority is to address the patient's immediate risk for injury.

[mspears3]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[amandanbreshears]

Gracias!