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. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a form of physical therapy often used for pain management. Therefore, the physical therapist would be the appropriate member of the interdisciplinary team to contact for assistance with TENS.
b. Respiratory therapists primarily focus on respiratory care and would not typically be involved in assisting with TENS therapy.
c. Occupational therapists focus on helping clients perform activities of daily living and may not have specific expertise in managing TENS therapy.
d. While pharmacists are knowledgeable about medications, they may not have the expertise required to assist with TENS therapy, which is a form of physical therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A surgical mask is insufficient for caring for a client with respiratory tuberculosis; an N95 respirator should be worn to protect against airborne transmission.
B. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is ineffective against Clostridium difficile spores. Handwashing with soap and water is essential to eliminate the spores and prevent transmission.
C. While bundling linens correctly helps minimize contamination, the action does not pertain to infection control precautions relevant to the scenario.
D. Removing gloves before leaving the room of a client with MRSA is appropriate as it helps prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infection to other areas of the facility. Proper disposal and hygiene practices should always be followed after contact with potentially infected surfaces.
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