A male client receives a scopolamine transdermal patch 2 hours before surgery. Four hours after surgery, the client tells the nurse that he is experiencing pain and asks why the patch is not working. Which action should the nurse take?
Check for correct placement of the patch behind the client's ear.
Explain that the medication is not given to prevent pain.
Advise the client that the effects of the medication have worn off.
Offer to apply a new transdermal patch to relieve the pain.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Check for correct placement of the patch behind the client's ear: While ensuring correct placement is important for the effectiveness of transdermal patches, the scopolamine patch is primarily used for motion sickness and nausea, not for pain relief. Checking placement does not address the client's pain, which is not the intended use of the medication.
B) Explain that the medication is not given to prevent pain: Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and motion sickness, not to manage pain. The client’s pain is unrelated to the patch’s intended purpose. Educating the client about the medication's purpose and recommending appropriate pain management would address the issue effectively.
C) Advise the client that the effects of the medication have worn off: The scopolamine patch's effects for nausea or motion sickness would not typically wear off within four hours. The medication was not intended to address pain, so advising the client about its effectiveness for nausea rather than pain would be more appropriate.
D) Offer to apply a new transdermal patch to relieve the pain: Applying a new patch would not be effective for pain management, as scopolamine is not designed for pain relief. Instead, the focus should be on addressing the client's pain with suitable analgesics and explaining the purpose of the scopolamine patch.
 
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Gastric irritation:
Gastric irritation is not a common side effect of gabapentin. While gastrointestinal symptoms can occur, they are not typically severe or indicative of a serious issue. Thus, this symptom is less critical to report immediately.
B. Rapid weight gain:
Rapid weight gain can be a significant side effect of gabapentin, potentially indicating fluid retention or other systemic issues. It is important to report this symptom, as it may require further evaluation and adjustment of the medication.
C. Sexual dysfunction:
Sexual dysfunction is not commonly reported with gabapentin. While it may affect some individuals, it is not typically a primary concern for discontinuing or altering treatment. Therefore, it is less urgent compared to other side effects.
D. Photosensitivity:
Photosensitivity is not a recognized side effect of gabapentin. The medication does not generally cause sensitivity to light, so this symptom is unlikely to be related to gabapentin use and is less critical to report immediately.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Request a prescription to change the route of administration and use the available heparin:
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and unfractionated heparin (UFH) are not interchangeable. LMWH is usually administered subcutaneously, whereas UFH is administered intravenously for acute situations. Changing the route of administration without a new prescription would not be appropriate.
B. Advise the pharmacy of the need to deliver a vial of heparin to the nursing unit immediately:
Since the prescription is for intravenous heparin and the available syringes are of LMWH (which is not suitable for IV use), it is essential to contact the pharmacy to provide the correct formulation. Immediate action ensures that the client receives the correct medication promptly.
C. Calculate and administer the equivalent dose of the available low molecular weight heparin:
Calculating and administering LMWH instead of UFH is inappropriate because they are different types of heparin with different indications, dosing regimens, and routes of administration. Using LMWH for an IV prescription could result in ineffective treatment or complications.
D. Dilute the available heparin in 250 mL of normal saline solution prior to IV administration:
LMWH should not be diluted or used in place of UFH for IV administration. This action is incorrect because the available medication is not suitable for the prescribed route and dose. The proper medication needs to be obtained from the pharmacy.
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