A hospice nurse is caring for a client who has 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
The Correct Answer is D
a. Continuing both medications may exacerbate the somnolence and difficulty arousing experienced by the client. It's essential to address the adverse effects promptly.
b. NSAIDs are not typically the first choice for severe pain management in terminal illness, especially when opioids are already prescribed. Moreover, replacing the opioid with an NSAID may not adequately address the pain.
c. Administering the benzodiazepine alongside the opioid may further potentiate the sedative effects and worsen the client's condition.
d. This is the most appropriate action. Withholding the benzodiazepine can help mitigate the sedation while continuing the opioid ensures ongoing pain relief for the client's comfort without introducing additional sedating medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. This statement demonstrates an understanding of the importance of protecting personal health information by encrypting it when transmitting electronically, ensuring confidentiality.
b. Using another nurse's password violates client confidentiality and compromises security protocols.
c. Discarding personal health information documents in the trash without proper disposal methods can lead to unauthorized access and breach of confidentiality.
d. Posting a client's vital signs in their room could potentially compromise their privacy, as it may be viewed by unauthorized individuals.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. Advising the newly licensed nurse to complete less time-consuming tasks first may not address the underlying issue of difficulty focusing and prioritizing care effectively.
b. Recommending that the newly licensed nurse take time to plan at the beginning of his shift can help him organize tasks and prioritize care more effectively.
c. While offering to provide care for his clients while he takes a break is supportive, it does not address the underlying issue of difficulty focusing and prioritizing care.
d. Asking other staff members to take over some of his tasks may be necessary in some situations but should not be the first intervention. Helping the nurse develop strategies to improve focus and organization is more appropriate.
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