The nurse administers naloxone Narcan to a patient who has ...

[haleyc112]

The nurse administers naloxone Narcan to a patient who has received a toxic dose of morphine sulfate. The nurse understands that the naloxone is effective because of which action?
 
  a. Countering the effects of morphine sulfate by agonist actions
  b. Increasing the excretion of morphine sul-fate by altering serum pH
  c. Preventing activation of opioid receptors through antagonist actions
  d. Regulating the sensitivity of opioid re-ceptors by neurochemical alterations

Question 2

A patient who is an active alcoholic is admitted to the hospital for surgery. The nurse reviewing orders for this patient would be correct to question which postoperative medication for this pa-tient?
 
  a. Acetaminophen
  b. Diazepam
  c. Morphine
  d. Thiamine

[Edwyer]

Answer to Question 1

C
Naloxone acts by blocking the action of opioids at opioid receptors. An opioid agonist would increase the effects of morphine. Naloxone does not affect serum pH or excretion of opioids. Na-loxone does not alter the sensitivity of opioid receptors.

Answer to Question 2

A
Acetaminophen poses a risk of fatal liver damage in alcoholics, because evidence indicates that even modest alcohol consumption combined with acetaminophen has this effect. Diazepam would probably be useful in this case, because it is used to aid alcohol withdrawal. However, di-azepam cannot be taken with alcohol, because the central nervous system (CNS) depressive ef-fects would be compounded. Likewise, morphine is safe as long as it is not given with alcohol. Thiamine is a vitamin that often is deficient in alcoholics, so thiamine would be indicated.

[haleyc112]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[ricroger]

Wow, this really help