Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

In cases of emergency care for a client who received an excessive dose of opioid medication, which task is best assigned to the LPN/LVN?

1. Calling the health care provider to report SBAR

2. Giving naloxone and evaluating response to therapy

3. Monitoring the respiratory status for the first 30 minutes

4. Applying oxygen per nasal cannula as ordered

The correct answer is: Applying oxygen per nasal cannula as ordered

Applying oxygen per nasal cannula as ordered is the most appropriate task for the LPN/LVN in the scenario of a client who has received an excessive dose of opioid medication. This action addresses the potential respiratory depression caused by opioids, which can significantly decrease the client’s oxygen levels. Administering oxygen helps to maintain adequate oxygen saturation and supports the client’s respiratory function during the emergency. While all tasks mentioned are important in the overall management of the situation, applying oxygen can be done promptly to stabilize the client’s condition. It requires adherence to protocols and the ability to follow a specific order, which falls within the scope of practice for LPNs/LVNs. The other tasks, like administering naloxone or evaluating the response, typically require an RN's assessment and intervention capabilities due to the need for immediate critical evaluation and potential adjustment based on the client’s response. Monitoring respiratory status for the first 30 minutes is also crucial but is best conducted by a registered nurse who can interpret and act on the data more comprehensively. Calling the healthcare provider using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format, while important for communication, is not a task that directly provides immediate care to the client.