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?

Continue the medication dosages that relieve the client’s pain

Contact the provider about replacing the opioid with an NSAID

Administer the benzodiazepine but withhold the opioid

Withhold the benzodiazepine but continue the opioid

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Continue the medication dosages that relieve the client’s pain:
Opioids and benzodiazepines are commonly used for pain and anxiety management in terminally ill patients. Somnolence is an expected side effect and does not necessarily warrant withholding medication unless the client shows signs of respiratory depression.

B. Contact the provider about replacing the opioid with an NSAID: NSAIDs are not sufficient for severe pain in terminal illness. Opioids are the gold standard for palliative pain management, and switching to an NSAID would likely lead to uncontrolled pain and unnecessary suffering.

C. Administer the benzodiazepine but withhold the opioid: This would leave the client in severe pain, which is unethical in hospice care. Pain relief should not be withheld solely due to sedation.

D. Withhold the benzodiazepine but continue the opioid: Benzodiazepines are often used to relieve anxiety, dyspnea, and agitation in end-of-life care. Withholding it could cause increased distress for the client. Instead of discontinuing the medication, the nurse should monitor for respiratory depression and adjust doses only if necessary.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

a. Review the chart for nonrestraint alternatives for agitation:

This action involves assessing the client's history, current condition, and any documented alternatives to restraints for managing agitation. While exploring nonrestraint interventions is important, addressing the immediate issue of inappropriate restraint use should take precedence.

b. Inform the unit manager:

Notifying the unit manager about the incident is important for escalating the situation and involving higher-level management in addressing the inappropriate use of restraints. However, before escalating, the immediate needs of the client should be addressed.

c. Speak with the AP about the incident:

Engaging in a conversation with the assistive personnel (AP) who applied the restraints allows for clarification of the situation, identification of any misunderstandings or training needs regarding restraint use, and immediate removal of the restraints if necessary. However, ensuring the client's safety should be the first priority.

d. Remove the restraints from the client’s wrist:

In situations where restraints are applied without a prescription or appropriate authorization, it is crucial to remove the restraints promptly to prevent potential harm to the client. However, it is essential to address the root cause of the inappropriate use of restraints and ensure that the client receives appropriate care and monitoring following restraint removal.

A. Report the infection to the local health department B. Initiate contact precautions C. Instruct the client to use condoms until the treatment is complete D. Apply an antiviral cream to the lesions

Correct Answer is A

No explanation

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A charge nurse making rounds observes that an assistive personnel has applied wrist restraints to a client who is agitated and does not have a prescription for restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of chlamydia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

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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?

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