A patient receiving morphine after orthopaedic surgery reports nausea and has a respiratory rate of 10 per minute. Which assessment is the priority?
Correct answer: B. Assess the level of sedation and oxygenation
- A. Inspect the surgical dressing for drainage
- B. Assess the level of sedation and oxygenation
- C. Ask when the patient last passed stool
- D. Measure the circumference of the affected limb
Explanation
A slow respiratory rate with nausea may indicate opioid-induced central nervous system and respiratory depression. Airway and breathing take priority over wound, bowel, or limb assessments, so sedation and oxygenation must be checked immediately.
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About Orthopaedic Nursing
Covers fractures, dislocations, arthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacement, spinal disorders and complications of immobility. It includes neurovascular assessment, traction and cast care, mobility assistance, pain control, prevention of pressure injuries and deep vein thrombosis, and the difference between compartment syndrome and ordinary postoperative swelling.
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Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
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