A client with metastatic cancer reports a pain level of 10 on a 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?
Replace transdermal analgesic patches every 72 hours.
Administer analgesics on a fixed and continuous schedule.
Monitor client for break through pain.
Frequently evaluate the client's pain.
The Correct Answer is C
C. Breakthrough pain is a transient exacerbation of pain that occurs despite the use of around- the-clock analgesics for persistent pain. Breakthrough pain episodes require rapid intervention with additional analgesics or adjustments to the current pain management regimen to provide adequate pain relief and improve the client's quality of life.
A. Replacing transdermal analgesic patches every 72 hours is important for ensuring consistent delivery of medication, but it is not directly related to addressing breakthrough pain.
B. Administering analgesics on a fixed and continuous schedule is important for maintaining baseline pain control, but it may not address breakthrough pain adequately.
D. Frequently evaluating the client's pain is essential, but monitoring specifically for breakthrough pain ensures timely intervention when pain exacerbations occur.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
A. Patients with respiratory distress often prefer to sit upright or in a tripod position to ease breathing by allowing maximal lung expansion. Sitting upright helps relieve pressure on the diaphragm and allows better air exchange in the lungs.
B. Chest tightness is a common symptom of various respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia. It can result from bronchoconstriction, inflammation, or accumulation of mucus in the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
D. An increased respiratory rate (tachypnea) may indicate respiratory distress or difficulty breathing. Tachypnea is a compensatory mechanism to increase oxygen intake or remove carbon dioxide from the body when lung function is compromised.
E. Restlessness can be a cue for a respiratory problem. Patients experiencing respiratory distress may exhibit restlessness due to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), discomfort, or anxiety related to difficulty breathing.
F. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a significant cue for a respiratory problem. It is a common symptom of various respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. Dyspnea may range from mild to severe and can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and functional status.
G. A pulse oxygenation level of 85% indicates hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and is a significant cue for a respiratory problem. Hypoxemia can result from various respiratory conditions or inadequate ventilation and may lead to tissue hypoxia and organ dysfunction if left untreated.
C. Medication compliance is not directly indicative of a respiratory problem. However, it may be relevant to managing respiratory conditions if the patient requires medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids to control symptoms or prevent exacerbations.
H. While an elevated heart rate (tachycardia) can be associated with respiratory distress, it is not specific to respiratory problems and may occur in response to other stressors or medical conditions.
I. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight and is not directly indicative of a respiratory problem. However, obesity is a risk factor for respiratory conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Assessing the time of symptom onset and determining if the symptoms have improved or worsened since onset is crucial for determining the urgency of the situation and guiding further management. This information helps the healthcare team identify the potential cause of the symptoms and decide on the appropriate course of action. Sudden onset of confusion and trouble speaking can be indicative of various serious conditions such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), intracranial hemorrhage, or other neurological emergencies.
A. Assessing for a swallowing reflex and performing communication deficit assessments are important aspects of the client's assessment but they may not be the immediate priority in the initial management of the client.
B. Administering aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping may be appropriate if the client is suspected to have an ischemic stroke, but it should be done based on a comprehensive assessment
C. Initiating bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices is indicated for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized clients, but it is not the most immediate intervention for this particular client.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
