A client with metastatic cancer reports a pain level of 10 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. Twenty minutes after the nurse administers an IV analgesic, the client reports no pain relief. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?
Administer analgesics on a fixed and continuous schedule.
Frequently evaluate the client’s pain.
Replace transdermal analgesic patches every 72 hours.
Monitor client for break-through pain.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Administering analgesics on a fixed and continuous schedule is the most important intervention that the nurse should include in this client’s plan of care, because it can provide consistent and adequate pain relief for the client with metastatic cancer, who is likely to have chronic and severe pain. The nurse should follow the principles of cancer pain management, such as using the WHO analgesic ladder, titrating the dose according to the pain intensity, and using a multimodal approach that combines opioids, non-opioids, and adjuvants.
Choice B reason: Frequently evaluating the client’s pain is an important intervention that the nurse should include in this client’s plan of care, but it is not the most important one. Evaluating the client’s pain can help the nurse to assess the effectiveness of the analgesics, identify the characteristics and causes of the pain, and adjust the pain management plan accordingly. However, evaluating the pain alone is not enough to provide pain relief, and the nurse should also implement the appropriate interventions based on the evaluation.
Choice C reason: Replacing transdermal analgesic patches every 72 hours is not a relevant intervention that the nurse should include in this client’s plan of care, because it is not applicable to the client’s situation. Transdermal analgesic patches are a form of opioid delivery that can provide long-lasting pain relief, but they are not suitable for acute or breakthrough pain, and they have a delayed onset of action. The client in this scenario is receiving IV analgesics, which have a faster onset and shorter duration of action, and are more appropriate for acute or breakthrough pain.
Choice D reason: Monitoring the client for break-through pain is an important intervention that the nurse should include in this client’s plan of care, but it is not the most important one. Break-through pain is a sudden and transient increase in pain that occurs despite the use of regular analgesics, and it can be caused by various factors, such as movement, infection, or tumor progression. The nurse should monitor the client for break-through pain and administer rescue doses of analgesics as needed. However, monitoring the client for break-through pain is not enough to prevent or treat the pain, and the nurse should also administer analgesics on a fixed and continuous schedule to maintain a steady level of pain relief.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Swabbing the throat for a rapid strep test is not a priority action that the nurse should implement, because it is not relevant to the client's current condition. A rapid strep test is a diagnostic tool that can detect the presence of Streptococcus bacteria in the throat, which can cause strep throat, a common bacterial infection. However, the client has already been diagnosed with strep throat and has been taking antibiotics for three days, so the test result may not be accurate or useful.
Choice B reason: Providing a mask for the client to wear is not a necessary action that the nurse should implement, because it is not related to the client's problem. A mask is a protective device that can prevent the transmission of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, influenza, or tuberculosis, by blocking the droplets or aerosols that contain the pathogens. However, the client's symptoms are not caused by a respiratory infection, but by an allergic reaction to the antibiotics, which is not contagious.
Choice C reason: Instructing the client to stop taking the antibiotics is the most important action that the nurse should implement, because it can prevent further exposure to the allergen and reduce the severity of the reaction. The client's symptoms, such as rash, wheezing, and tachycardia, indicate that the client is having an allergic reaction to the antibiotics, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, especially if it progresses to anaphylaxis, a severe systemic reaction that can cause shock, airway obstruction, and organ failure. The nurse should instruct the client to stop taking the antibiotics immediately and notify the doctor.
Choice D reason: Applying a hypoallergenic cream to the rash is not a sufficient action that the nurse should implement, because it can only provide temporary relief and not address the underlying cause of the rash. A hypoallergenic cream is a topical product that can moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin, and it does not contain any ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. However, the rash is not caused by a skin irritant, but by a systemic reaction to the antibiotics, which requires more than a cream to treat.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using incentive spirometer is not a relevant instruction for a client with BPH who underwent TUNA. Incentive spirometer is a device that helps improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications after surgery or prolonged bed rest. TUNA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink the prostate tissue and relieve the urinary obstruction. TUNA does not affect the respiratory system or require general anesthesia.
Choice B reason: Monitoring urinary stream for decrease in output is an important instruction for a client with BPH who underwent TUNA. Urinary output can reflect the kidney function and the effectiveness of the procedure. A decrease in urinary output can indicate urinary retention, infection, or bleeding, which are potential complications of TUNA. The client should report any changes in the urinary stream, such as difficulty, pain, frequency, urgency, or hesitancy, to the health care provider.
Choice C reason: Reporting when hematuria becomes pink tinged is not a necessary instruction for a client with BPH who underwent TUNA. Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, which is a common and expected finding after TUNA. Hematuria usually resolves within a few days and does not require intervention, unless it is excessive or persistent. The client should drink plenty of fluids to flush out the blood and prevent clot formation. The client should report any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or foul-smelling urine, to the health care provider.
Choice D reason: Restricting physical activities is a correct instruction for a client with BPH who underwent TUNA. Physical activities can increase the blood pressure and the risk of bleeding or injury to the prostate. The client should avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting, running, or biking, for at least two weeks after the procedure. The client should also avoid sexual intercourse, driving, or sitting for long periods until the symptoms subside. The client should follow the health care provider's advice on when to resume normal activities.
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