Question

PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION AS BEST AND ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE PLEASE

1. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a heroin overdose. The client’s arterial blood gas (ABG) resuls are pH, 7.20; PaO2, 82 mm Hg; PaCO2, 60 mm Hg; HCO3,22mEq/L (22 mmol/L). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

1. Assess the client’s pupil size.
2. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG).
3. Administer prescribed oxygen therapy.
4. Administer prescribed naloxone

Answer 1

Answer: c: Administration of oxygen therapy.

The patient's ABG shows severe acidosis due to hypercarbia. This indicates that the patient is hypoventillating due to respiratory depression caused by the heroin overdose. PaO2 levels are also low for the same reason.

Here, the first priority is to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation to ensure adequate oxygen supply for brain and other vital organs.

Naloxone is the antidote for opioid toxicity and can be given after stabilising the patient.

Pupil size should be monitored.

ECG can be done to rule out cardiac events.