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 B
Explanation
Rationale for A: The abbreviation "MS" is not recommended for use in prescriptions because it can be confused with magnesium sulfate or morphine sulfate. This can lead to medication errors, making this option unsafe for transcription.
Rationale for B: This prescription is the correct choice because it clearly spells out "morphine sulfate," avoiding any potential confusion with similar abbreviations. It also uses the appropriate dosage and frequency without unnecessary trailing zeros, reducing the risk of errors.
Rationale for C: The abbreviation "MSO4" is considered dangerous because it can be confused with magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). Additionally, using abbreviations in prescriptions can lead to misinterpretation and medication errors.
Rationale for D: Although this option spells out "morphine sulfate," it uses a trailing zero in "10.0 mg," which can be misinterpreted as a higher dose, such as 100 mg. Trailing zeros should be avoided to prevent potential overdose.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric disorder, and the client would benefit from the expertise of a mental health counselor to address underlying psychological issues.
b. Nutritional therapy is crucial in the treatment of anorexia nervosa to address malnutrition and establish healthy eating habits.
c. While physical therapy may be necessary in some cases, it is not typically the primary focus of care for clients with anorexia nervosa.
d. A case manager may assist with coordinating care, but they may not have the specialized knowledge required to address the specific needs of a client with anorexia nervosa.
e. An occupational therapist focuses on helping clients perform activities of daily living and may not be directly involved in the treatment of anorexia nervosa unless there are specific functional limitations that need addressing.
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.