The nurse checks a patient for pain relief 1 hour after ...

[jwb375]

The nurse checks a patient for pain relief 1 hour after administering 15 mg of morphine intramuscularly. The patient is sleeping and has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute. What is the nurse's best first action?
 
  a. Attempt to arouse the patient by calling his or her name and lightly shaking the arm.
  b. Administer oxygen by mask or nasal cannula and notify the prescriber.
  c. Check the patient's oxygen saturation and raise the head of the bed.
  d. Document the finding as the only action.

Question 2

A patient who received an intravenous (IV) dose of magnesium sulfate has developed diarrhea. What is the nurse's best response?
 
  a. Reassure the patient that diarrhea is a common side effect of magnesium sulfate.
  b. Order a bedside commode so that the patient does not have to walk to the bath-room.
  c. Hold the drug and notify the prescriber.
  d. Document the finding as the only action.

[mfedorka]

Answer to Question 1

A
Many patients experience some degree of respiratory depression with opioid analgesics. If the patient can be aroused with minimally-intrusive techniques and the respiratory rate increases spontaneously, no further intervention is required.

Answer to Question 2

A
The only common side effect of IV magnesium sulfate is diarrhea. Additional actions would in-clude assisting the patient to the bathroom and providing skin care to prevent breakdown.

[jwb375]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[rachel]

Gracias!