Question

A client with a history of severe depression has been brought to the emergency room with an overdose of barbiturates. The nurse should pay careful attention to the client's: A. Urinary output B. Respirations C. Temperature D. Verbal responsiveness

Short answer

Answer: Respirations

Step-by-step solution

Consider Urinary Output

Assessing urinary output is not the highest priority in this situation. A barbiturate overdose primarily affects the central nervous system, and although it could indirectly cause changes in urinary output, it is not the most immediate and life-threatening concern.

Consider Respirations

Barbiturates depress the central nervous system and can significantly depress the respiratory drive. This makes monitoring respirations a crucial priority in the case of an overdose, as the patient could experience respiratory arrest and require immediate intervention to maintain oxygenation.

Consider Temperature

While temperature assessment is important in overall patient evaluation, it is not the highest priority in this case. A barbiturate overdose primarily affects the central nervous system and respiratory system, making these more critical areas to monitor closely.

Consider Verbal Responsiveness

Monitoring verbal responsiveness could provide some insight into the patient's level of consciousness and the severity of central nervous system depression caused by the overdose. However, it is not the most crucial factor to monitor, as a decline in verbal responsiveness might be noticed after significant respiratory depression has already occurred.

Conclusion

The correct answer should be B, Respirations. Monitoring the patient's respiratory status is the highest priority, as a barbiturate overdose can have life-threatening consequences on the patient's ability to breathe. The respiratory depression can progress quickly to respiratory arrest, requiring immediate intervention.