Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/html/web/app/themes/studypress-core-theme/template-parts/header/mobile-offcanvas.php on line 20

The nurse is preparing to administer morphine sulfate to a client recently returned from surgery. Before giving the medication, what is the priority nursing assessment? A. Checking the client's respirations B. Obtaining the client's temperature C. Checking the client's blood pressure D. Counting the client's pulse rate

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The priority nursing assessment is checking the client's respirations.

Step by step solution

01

Option A: Checking the client's respirations

Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression as a side effect. It is essential to check the client's respirations before administering the medication to ensure the patient isn't already experiencing any respiratory complications. If the client's respiration is too low, the nurse might withhold the medication or administer a lower dose.
02

Option B: Obtaining the client's temperature

While it is important to monitor the client's temperature, especially after surgery, it is not directly related to the administration of morphine sulfate. Therefore, obtaining the client's temperature is not the priority assessment in this case.
03

Option C: Checking the client's blood pressure

Morphine sulfate can also cause a decrease in blood pressure. It is important to check the client's blood pressure before administering the medication. However, considering the potential respiratory depression side effect, this is not the priority assessment compared to the client's respiration.
04

Option D: Counting the client's pulse rate

Monitoring the client's pulse rate is important, but it is not the priority assessment in this case. The primary concern associated with the administration of morphine sulfate is respiratory depression.
05

Conclusion

The priority nursing assessment before administering morphine sulfate to a client recently returned from surgery is checking the client's respirations (Option A). This is crucial due to the potential side effect of respiratory depression associated with morphine sulfate use.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The nursing staff of a local clinic is made up of two registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses. Which duty is within the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse? A. Administering a monthly infusion of Remicade to a client with rheumatoid arthritis B. Removing sutures from a client following abdominal surgery C. Changing a peg tube in a client with a stroke D. Flushing a Groshong catheter in a client receiving chemotherapy

A category four tornado has injured 50 people from the community. The nurse is responsible for in field triage. According to triage protocol, which client should be treated last? A. The 30-year-old with lacerations to the neck and face B. The 70-year-old with chest pain and shortness of breath C. The 6-year-old with fixed, dilated pupils who is nonresponsive D. The 40-year-old with tachypnea and tachycardia

The nurse is caring for several clients on an orthopedic unit. If the following requests were made simultaneously, which should the nurse do first? A. A family member calls and requests to speak to the nurse about a patient. B. A client with a fractured femur complains of pleuritic pain and reports a rash on the chest and under the arms. C. A client with a fractured leg requests pain medications. D. A client with a cast reports itching within the cast.

The nurse is approached by a friend in a community setting. The friend asks the nurse about the results of another friend's x-ray test. Which of the following responses is most appropriate? A. "If you can get me her Social Security number, I will look it up." B. "Why don't you just ask her the result of the test yourself?" C. "I cannot give out any client information." D. "I don't have that information right now."

A nurse's assessment of a client reveals shortness of breath, anxiety, and asymmetrical chest expansion. After starting the patient on ordered O2 at 3 L/min, what is the nurse's next action? A. Assess the chart for pulmonary function test results B. Place the client in a supine position with his head flat C. Notify the charge nurse D. Order a portable chest x-ray

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free