A geriatric patient received a narcotic analgesic before leaving the post-anesthesia care unit to return to the regular unit.
What is the priority nursing action for the nurse receiving the patient on the regular unit?

Administer a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Put side rails up and place bed in the lowest position.

Encourage fluids.

Create a restful dark environment.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale

Administering a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not a priority action for a patient who has received a narcotic analgesic. The priority should be to ensure the patient’s safety and prevent falls, which can occur due to the sedative effects of narcotics.

Choice B rationale

Putting side rails up and placing the bed in the lowest position is essential for patient safety. Narcotics can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Ensuring the bed is in the lowest position and side rails are up helps prevent injury if the patient tries to get up.

Choice C rationale

Encouraging fluids is beneficial for many patients, but it is not the priority action when a patient has received a narcotic analgesic. Hydration is important but secondary to ensuring the patient’s immediate safety.

Choice D rationale

Creating a restful, dark environment may help the patient rest, but it does not directly address the immediate safety needs of a patient who has received a narcotic analgesic. The focus should be on preventing falls and injury.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Beta-adrenergic blockers generally do not decrease urinary output. These drugs primarily act on the cardiovascular system by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which results in lowered heart rate and blood pressure. Their effects are less pronounced on the renal system unless specific agents with renal effects are used.

Choice B rationale

Beta-adrenergic blockers decrease the strength of heart muscle contraction (negative inotropic effect). By blocking beta receptors, they inhibit the stimulatory effects of catecholamines on the heart, reducing the force of myocardial contraction, which helps decrease oxygen demand and control angina symptoms.

Choice C rationale

Beta-adrenergic blockers typically decrease heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) rather than increase it. They inhibit beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to a slower heart rate and can help manage conditions like angina by reducing myocardial oxygen consumption.

Choice D rationale

Beta-adrenergic blockers decrease oxygen consumption by reducing heart rate and the force of contraction. These effects lower myocardial oxygen demand, which is beneficial for patients with angina by preventing episodes triggered by increased oxygen needs.

A. Maintain the patient’s confidentiality. B. Administer medications ordered immediately. C. Provide teaching about chronic renal failure. D. Call the admitting physician immediately.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While maintaining patient confidentiality is crucial, it does not address the immediate medical needs of the patient with chronic renal failure. The primary concern should be addressing the health implications of their condition and ensuring proper care coordination.

Choice B rationale

Administering medications ordered immediately is essential, but it is not the first priority without knowing the patient's current status and medical history. The nurse needs to ensure that the medications prescribed are appropriate for a patient with chronic renal failure.

Choice C rationale

Providing teaching about chronic renal failure is important for long-term management but is not the first priority upon admission. Immediate medical needs and communication with the care team take precedence in this acute care setting.

Choice D rationale

Calling the admitting physician immediately is the first priority. The primary care provider needs to be aware of the patient's diagnosis of chronic renal failure to adjust treatment plans accordingly. Immediate communication ensures that all healthcare professionals are on the same page regarding the patient's care. .

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A geriatric patient received a narcotic analgesic before leaving the post-anesthesia care unit to return to the regular unit.What is the priority nursing action for the nurse receiving the patient on the regular unit?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When the nurse administers a beta-adrenergic blocker to a patient with angina the nurse expects the drugs will help to control angina, but it also has what other effects?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse admits a patient to the unit and learns the patient has recently been diagnosed with chronic renal failure but has not informed the primary care provider of this diagnosis.What is the nurse’s first priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing the patient's home medication use.After listening to the patient's list of current medications, the nurse asks what priority query?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin to treat an infection.The patient is also taking acetaminophen for pain.The nurse should expect to review which lab value when monitoring for this drug side effect?

The nurse evaluates the effects of warfarin by monitoring what lab test?

The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who has just begun taking a Thiazide diuretic to treat hypertension.What is an important aspect of care for this patient?

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The nurse is teaching a group of parents about the use of syrup of ipecac.Which instruction will the nurse provide?

A patient asked the nurse what cardiac glycosides do to improve his condition.What is the nurse's best response?

Antitussive agents should be used with caution in patients who have a history of addiction.

A geriatric patient received a narcotic analgesic before leaving the post-anesthesia care unit to return to the regular unit.
What is the priority nursing action for the nurse receiving the patient on the regular unit?