What immediate action should a nurse take for a client who has ingested a lethal amount of oxycodone?

Administering naloxone IV is the appropriate immediate action when a client has ingested a lethal amount of oxycodone, as it is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose. Oxycodone, being an opioid, can cause severe respiratory depression, sedation, and potential death due to its effects on the central nervous system. Naloxone works by displacing opioids from their receptors in the brain, thereby restoring normal respiratory function and consciousness in the affected individual.

The rapid action of naloxone is crucial in an overdose situation, and IV administration ensures that the medication acts quickly. It can be lifesaving, especially in critical scenarios involving overdose. The use of naloxone aligns with standard emergency protocols for treating opioid overdose and offers the best chance for immediate recovery.

Other options, such as giving a diuretic or forcing fluids, do not address the immediate threat of respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. Inducing vomiting could potentially lead to aspiration and does not guarantee the elimination of the drug from the system in a timely manner, highlighting the importance of using naloxone as the first line of defense in such situations.