Reference no: EM133315566

You are the home health nurse caring for Mrs. Jones, 73 years old who is currently living with her daughter Shirley. Her daughter greets you at the door. She tells you that her mother's pain is finally under control, and she is finally able to rest. You ask Shirley what it was that helped to relieve the pain. She states that she crushed her mother's "Oxy", and put it in applesauce. She goes on to say that her mother has been sleeping soundly for five hours and that she could not wake her for her favorite TV show. Mrs. Jones is currently being treated for pain associated with her cancer. Upon entering her room you find that she appears asleep. You unsuccessfully attempt to arouse her. She is shallowly breathing at a rate of 10 breaths per minute. You see two pill bottles at the bedside, Oxycodone, and Oxycontin. The daughter states that she crushed two pills and gave them, but she's not sure which bottle they came from. She states, "They are the same, right? Both Oxy." How should the nurse respond?

Now consider the following queries

- What do you suspect has happened here?

- Why is this woman nonresponsive?

- What might be an alternative explanation?

- Why were both medications in this scenario prescribed?

- What are the differences between them?

- What are the nursing interventions for immediate care?

- Why is the situation urgent?

- What does the patient need most right now?

- Is there an antidote to the medications taken in this scenario?

- What specific caregiver teaching is needed in this scenario?

- Were there any ethical issues presented in this scenario?