Now let’s apply what you have learned!

Your 82-year-old postoperative patient is hard to arouse 30 minutes after you administered IV morphine. Their BP is 102/72, respirations are 8 and shallow, and SpO2 is 88% on room air. Which of the following (with health care provider orders) are priority nursing actions? Select all that apply.

a) Administer oxygen

b) Administer naloxone

c) Insert a Foley catheter

d) Increase IV fluid rate

e) Raise the head of the bed

Note: Answers to the Light Bulb Moment can be found in the “Answer Key” sections at the end of the book.

Case Study 1

Mrs. Penja is a 65-year-old female who has been admitted to the hospital for a left hip fracture. She has a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis. Mrs. Penja reports severe pain in her left hip, which is affecting her ability to move and sleep. She is currently being treated with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, but the pain persists. The health care provider prescribes toradol as an additional analgesic.

1. What is toradol, and how does it work?
2. What are the side effects of toradol?
3. How should toradol be administered?
4. What precautions should be taken when using toradol?
5. How long should toradol be used for pain relief?
6. What alternative analgesics could be used instead of toradol?

Case Study 2

Mr. Johnson is a 40-year-old male who has been brought to the emergency department by ambulance. He was found unresponsive in his home with shallow breathing and pinpoint pupils. He has a history of opioid addiction and has recently relapsed. The health care provider suspects an opioid overdose and orders Narcan.

1. What is Narcan, and how does it work?
2. How should Narcan be administered?
3. What are the potential side effects of Narcan?
4. What precautions should be taken when using Narcan?
5. What is the expected outcome after administering Narcan in an opioid overdose?

Note: Answers to the Case Studies can be found in the “Answer Key” sections at the end of the book.