A hospice nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and reports severe pain. After the nurse administers the prescribed opioid and benzodiazepine, the client becomes somnolent and difficult to arouse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer the benzodiazepine but withhold the opioid.
Continue the medication dosages that relieve the client's pain.
Contact the provider about replacing the opioid with an NSAID.
Withhold the benzodiazepine but continue the opioid.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Withholding the opioid may lead to inadequate pain relief, which isn't the best approach, especially in a terminally ill patient experiencing severe pain.
B. Continuing the medication dosages that relieve pain is important for the client's comfort, even if it causes somnolence.
C. Contacting the provider to consider an NSAID might be an option, but immediate relief should not be compromised while awaiting a change in medication.
D. Withholding the benzodiazepine might be considered if the sedation is excessive, but prioritizing pain relief is crucial in end-of-life care unless there are severe adverse effects.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Calling the pharmacy for a prescription for the client's partner doesn't necessarily violate client confidentiality as it pertains to the partner's care.
B. Providing a copy of the client's medical record to a third party, the transporting paramedic, breaches confidentiality as it exposes the client's private health information to someone not
involved in direct care.
C. Reporting a client's disposition to the referring provider is part of normal care coordination and doesn't typically violate confidentiality.
D. Informing housekeeping staff about a client's location in a specific unit doesn't divulge confidential health information.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Restraints should be applied based on a specific, documented need, not on an as- needed (PRN) basis, to ensure client safety.
B. A nurse can disclose information to a family member with the client's permission. This statement respects the client's right to privacy and confidentiality.
C. It is the responsibility of the doctor and not nurses to inform clients about available treatment options.
D. Administering medications without consent for research purposes is ethically unacceptable and violates the client's rights to autonomy and informed consent.
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