A client in the surgical recovery area asks the nurse to bring the largest possible dose of pain medication available. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Ask the client to rate the current level of pain using a pain scale.
Encourage the client to use diversional thoughts to manage pain.
Review the history for a past use of recreational drugs.
Determine when the last dose was administered.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale; When a client requests pain medication, the first action the nurse should take is to assess the client's current pain level. By using a pain scale, the nurse can determine the intensity of the pain and evaluate the need for pain medication appropriately. The pain scale allows the client to express their pain on a standardized scale, helping the nurse to understand the severity of the pain and the most appropriate pain management intervention.
Choice B rationale: While diversional thoughts and non-pharmacological pain management techniques can be useful, the priority is to first assess the pain level and address the client's immediate needs for pain relief.
Choice C rationale: While it's important to consider the client's history of drug use, it is not the first action to take when a client requests pain medication. Assessing the pain level and providing appropriate pain relief should be the initial priority.
Choice D rationale: While it's essential to know the last dose of pain medication the client received, it is not the first action to take when the client is requesting pain medication. Assessing the current pain level and addressing the client's immediate needs should be the first step. The information about the last dose will be relevant for deciding when the next dose can be given.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
No explanation
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Nausea is the symptom the medication is intended to treat, and it is expected that the client may have some level of nausea while undergoing chemotherapy. It is not the most important adverse effect to report in this scenario.
Choice B rationale: Diarrhea is not a common or significant adverse effect of metoclopramide. While it is essential to monitor for any gastrointestinal side effects, it is not the most important adverse effect to report in this case.
Choice C rationale: Metoclopramide is a medication commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting, particularly related to chemotherapy. One of the significant adverse effects of metoclopramide is the potential to cause extrapyramidal symptoms, including involuntary movements such as dystonia, dyskinesia, and Parkinsonism. These extrapyramidal symptoms can be serious and may require immediate intervention or discontinuation of the medication.
Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the client for any signs of involuntary movements and report them promptly to the healthcare provider for appropriate management.
Choice D rationale: Unusual irritability is not a typical adverse effect associated with metoclopramide. While mood changes can occur with any medication, involuntary movements are a more concerning side effect that requires immediate attention and reporting.
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