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 D
Explanation
a. Involving the client's partner may be helpful for additional support, but it does not ensure accurate communication if the partner also does not speak the same language as the client.
b. While incorporating gestures and hand signals can be useful, they may not fully convey complex medical information and may lead to misunderstandings.
c. Interpreting the client's body language can provide some insight into their understanding, but it may not accurately represent their comprehension of the information.
d. Providing an interpreter ensures accurate communication and understanding between the nurse and the client, promoting effective teaching and informed decision-making.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
a. Administering an enema for a scheduled endoscopy is within the scope of practice for an LPN. It involves a task that is repetitive, stable, and does not require critical thinking.
b. Developing an initial plan of care for a client with sickle cell anemia involves critical thinking and assessment, which are within the scope of practice for an RN.
c. A client transferring from the CCU after a myocardial infarction requires close monitoring and assessment, which are typically within the scope of practice for an RN.
d. Teaching a newly admitted client about self-administration of insulin involves education, assessment, and critical thinking, which are typically within the scope of practice for an RN.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.