A client is in shock and is receiving naloxone (Narcan). The client's sibling is an EMT and questions why the client is getting medication for "an overdose." The most appropriate response by the nurse is
A) "Because of HIPAA laws, I am not allowed to tell you about his/her care."
B) "I don't know but I can have the doctor come and speak with you."
C) "In clients with shock it helps the hypotension and cardiac output."
D) "The client may have gotten too much morphine in the emergency department."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Narcan reduces hypotension and decreases cardiac contractility, which improves hemodynamic status in the setting of shock. Although most familiar as an opioid antagonist for a client who has overdosed, its role in shock may be to mediate the opiate-like substances that are released from the brain. The nurse should follow facility policy in releasing information, but in the ICU, the family of a critically ill client is usually included and given information. If the nurse did not know the reason for the drug, it is most prudent to look it up before giving it.

A Client Is in Shock and Is Receiving Naloxone (Narcan)