A client with metastatic cancer who was taking hydromorphone PO at home is now receiving the medication IV while in the hospital. To evaluate if the client is receiving an equianalgesic dose of the hydromorphone, which assessment should the nurse complete?
Respiratory rate.
Pain scale.
Blood pressure.
Level of consciousness.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale
A. Respiratory rate is important because opioid-induced respiratory depression is a significant concern with hydromorphone. Assessing the respiratory rate helps the nurse detect early signs of respiratory depression.
B. Pain scale is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the equianalgesic dose. The nurse should ensure that the pain is adequately controlled with the IV dose comparable to what was achieved with the PO dose.
C. Blood pressure is monitored to detect any potential hypotensive effects of hydromorphone, particularly with IV administration.
D. Level of consciousness is assessed to ensure that the client is not overly sedated or experiencing other neurological side effects of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale
A. In heart failure exacerbation, decreased cardiac output can lead to poor peripheral perfusion, potentially manifesting as weak or diminished pedal pulses. However, in the context of acute symptoms such as palpitations or chest discomfort, assessing the rhythm and rate of central pulses (like the apical pulse) may be more immediate and informative.
B. Capillary refill time assesses peripheral perfusion and can indicate circulatory status. Prolonged capillary refill (>2 seconds) may indicate poor perfusion, which could occur in heart failure exacerbation due to reduced cardiac output. It is a valuable assessment, but in this scenario, focusing on more central aspects such as the heart rhythm is typically more immediate.
C. Assessing the rhythm of the apical pulse is crucial in this scenario. The client's sensation of "flopping" in the chest suggests palpitations or irregular heartbeats, which could indicate arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or other dysrhythmias.
D. Skin elasticity primarily assesses hydration status and may provide information about overall skin integrity but is less directly related to the acute symptoms described by the client. While important in general assessments, it does not directly address the urgent need to assess for arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
The nurse recognizes that this client is Hemorrhaging due to uterine atony.
Rationale
This client is likely experiencing hemorrhaging, as indicated by the boggy fundus (uterine atony), saturated pad and sheets with blood, and the significant estimated blood loss of 600 mL after delivery. Hemorrhaging refers to excessive bleeding, which can occur due to various reasons in the postpartum period, including uterine atony.
The boggy fundus (uterus) at 1 cm above the umbilicus suggests poor uterine tone, which is indicative of uterine atony. Uterine atony is a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage and occurs when the uterus fails to contract adequately after delivery, leading to excessive bleeding.
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