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. Accompanying a client who just had a wound debridement to physical therapy - LPNs can assist with client mobility and transportation, but wound debridement is a procedure that typically requires RN-level assessment and monitoring.
b. Obtaining a urine specimen from an older adult client - This role is more appropriate for the assstive personnel
c. Providing postmortem care for a client that just died - This task involves emotional support, dignity, and respect for the deceased, as well as proper documentation. It's within the RN scope of practice due to its complexity and emotional sensitivity.
d. Reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has heart disease - LPNs can reinforce teaching once the initial teaching has been done by the RN, and dietary education for clients with heart disease often involves routine guidelines and doesn't necessarily require the comprehensive assessment and education provided by an RN. Therefore, this task is appropriate for the LPN.
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.
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