A client continues to report post-surgical incision pain at a level of 9 out of 10 after pain medication is given. The next dose of pain medicine is not due for another hour. What should the critically thinking nurse do first?

Offer to notify the health care provider after morning rounds are completed

Explore other options for pain relief

Discuss the surgical procedure and reason for the pain

Explain to the patient that nothing else has been ordered

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because offering to notify the health care provider after morning rounds are completed is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should act promptly and advocate for the patient's pain management needs, rather than delaying the communication with the health care provider.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because exploring other options for pain relief is the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should assess the patient's pain level, location, quality, and contributing factors, and use a multimodal approach to pain management that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as ice, heat, distraction, relaxation, or massage.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because discussing the surgical procedure and reason for the pain is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should focus on alleviating the patient's pain, rather than educating the patient about the surgery. The nurse can provide information and reassurance to the patient after the pain is controlled.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because explaining to the patient that nothing else has been ordered is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should not dismiss the patient's pain or imply that the patient has no other options for pain relief. The nurse should collaborate with the patient and the health care provider to find the best pain management plan for the patient.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Gradual loss of peripheral vision is a characteristic symptom of open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, causing increased intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve.

Choice B reason: Gradual loss of central vision is more typical of age-related macular degeneration, which is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina. It is not a symptom of open-angle glaucoma.

Choice C reason: Sudden headache and nausea are signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. It occurs when the drainage angle of the eye suddenly closes, causing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure and severe pain.

Choice D reason: Cloudy blurred vision is a symptom of cataract, which is a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy and opaque. It is not a symptom of open-angle glaucoma.

A. Fall prevention B. Pressure injury prevention C. Cognitive impairment prevention D. Functional decline prevention

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Fall prevention is the most important safety measure for an elderly client with osteoporosis, as falls can result in fractures and other complications. The nurse should assess the client's risk factors for falls, such as impaired vision, balance, or mobility, and implement interventions to reduce them, such as providing adequate lighting, removing clutter, and using assistive devices.

Choice B reason: Pressure injury prevention is also important for an elderly client, but not as crucial as fall prevention for a client with osteoporosis. Pressure injuries are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, especially over bony prominences. The nurse should reposition the client frequently, use pressure-relieving devices, and monitor the skin for signs of breakdown.

Choice C reason: Cognitive impairment prevention is not a specific safety measure for an elderly client with osteoporosis, although it may affect the client's ability to follow instructions and adhere to treatment. Cognitive impairment may be caused by various factors, such as dementia, delirium, or medication side effects. The nurse should assess the client's mental status, provide orientation and stimulation, and manage any underlying causes.

Choice D reason: Functional decline prevention is not a specific safety measure for an elderly client with osteoporosis, although it may affect the client's quality of life and independence. Functional decline may be caused by various factors, such as pain, weakness, or depression. The nurse should encourage the client to participate in physical and occupational therapy, promote self-care activities, and provide emotional support.

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A client continues to report post-surgical incision pain at a level of 9 out of 10 after pain medication is given. The next dose of pain medicine is not due for another hour. What should the critically thinking nurse do first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has open-angle glaucoma. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the patient to report?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse notes that an elderly client has a history of osteoporosis. What safety measure should the nurse prioritize for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is talking with a client who has osteoporosis and needs to increase her vitamin D intake as part of her treatment plan. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse reinforce with the client to help ensure an adequate intake of vitamin D?

When shown an Amsler grid, the client reports seeing wavy, distorted lines. The client also states his center of vision is dark and he has no sense of depth perception. The nurse suspects the client has which of the following conditions?

A diabetic client states he feels depressed, is complaining of chest pain, and has an open wound. Which of these complaints would require an immediate focused assessment?

A nurse in a community health clinic is interviewing a couple who just lost their house in a fire. Using the priority framework of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which category should the nurse identify for the client's situation?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a young adult client who has a family history of osteoporosis. Which of the following health promotion activities should the nurse recommend?

The RN is using clinical judgment to determine which patient she needs to see first. What is one primary reason for prioritizing care?

Twenty minutes after administering pain medication to the patient, the nurse asks if the patient's pain level has decreased. What phase of the nursing process does this demonstrate?

The RN receives a call from the lab that a client's potassium chloride (KCl) level is 6.6 (normal range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L). What should the nurse do first?