Which factors make meperidine an opioid of choice among nurses ...

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Which factors make meperidine an opioid of choice among nurses and physicians who abuse opioids? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Easy access to syringes for administration of the drug
  b. Highly effective oral dosing
  c. Increased effects on smooth muscle function
  d. Less pupillary constriction than other opioids
  e. Shorter half-life than other opioids

Question 2

A patient who is taking digoxin is admitted to the hospital for treatment of congestive heart failure.
 
  The prescriber has ordered furosemide (Lasix). The nurse notes an irregular heart rate of 86 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 130/82 mm Hg. The nurse auscultates crackles in both lungs. Which laboratory value causes the nurse the most concern?
  a. Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL
  b. Oxygen saturation of 90
  c. Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
  d. Sodium level of 140 mEq/L

[momo1250]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, D
Meperidine is often abused by medical personnel because oral dosing is highly effective, so telltale injection marks are unnecessary. Also, the drug causes less pupillary constriction than other opioids. Access to syringes is not necessary with oral dosing. Meperidine has fewer effects on smooth muscle function, causing less constipation and urinary retention.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
This patient has an irregular, rapid heartbeat that might be caused by a dysrhythmia. This patient's serum potassium level is low, which can trigger fatal dysrhythmias, especially in patients taking digoxin. Furosemide contributes to loss of potassium through its effects on the distal nephron. Potassium-sparing diuretics often are used in conjunction with furosemide to prevent this complication. This patient's serum glucose and sodium levels are normal and of no concern at this point, although they can be affected by furosemide. The oxygen saturation is somewhat low and needs to be monitored, although it may improve with diuresis.

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Thank you!

[momo1250]

Always glad to help...