A nurse in a long-term care facility is reinforcing teaching about pain control with a client who has terminal cancer. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Analgesia should be used around the clock to promote pain control.
Pain patches are applied each morning and removed at bedtime.
We will use intramuscular medications to control your pain.
A medication dose must be decreased if you develop tolerance.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Using analgesia around the clock is an appropriate action. The nurse should follow the principle of prevention rather than rescue when managing pain for a client who has terminal cancer. The nurse should administer analgesics on a regular schedule to maintain a steady level of pain relief and prevent breakthrough pain.
Choice B reason: Applying pain patches each morning and removing them at bedtime is not an appropriate action. The nurse should follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying and removing pain patches. Some patches are designed to be worn for 24 hours, while others are worn for 72 hours. Removing the patches too soon can cause inadequate pain control and withdrawal symptoms.
Choice C reason: Using intramuscular medications to control pain is not an appropriate action. The nurse should avoid using intramuscular route for administering analgesics to a client who has terminal cancer. Intramuscular injections are painful, unreliable, and increase the risk of infection and bleeding. The nurse should use oral, transdermal, or subcutaneous routes whenever possible.
Choice D reason: Decreasing a medication dose if the client develops tolerance is not an appropriate action. The nurse should understand that tolerance is a normal physiological response to long-term opioid use and does not indicate addiction or abuse. The nurse should adjust the medication dose according to the client's level of pain and response to treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: This is incorrect because sore throat is not a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. Sore throat is a common and expected complication of bronchoscopy due to irritation from the endoscope. The nurse should provide oral care and offer ice chips or lozenges to soothe the throat.
Choice B: This is incorrect because blood pressure 110/78 mm Hg is not a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. Blood pressure 110/78 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not indicate any adverse effects from bronchoscopy. The nurse should monitor the vital signs and oxygen saturation of the client.
Choice C: This is correct because facial edema is a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. Facial edema can indicate an allergic reaction, airway obstruction, or mediastinal emphysema, which are serious and potentially life-threatening complications of bronchoscopy. The nurse should assess the airway, breathing, and circulation of the client and administer oxygen and medications as prescribed.
Choice D: This is incorrect because presence of gag reflex is not a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. Presence of gag reflex is an expected outcome of bronchoscopy, indicating that the anesthesia has worn off and the client can resume oral intake. The nurse should check the gag reflex before offering any food or fluids to the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: This is incorrect because maintaining the client on bed rest can increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia, thromboembolism, or pressure ulcers. The nurse should encourage early ambulation and frequent position changes to promote healing and prevent complications.
Choice B: This is correct because repositioning the client can help relieve pressure and discomfort from the incision site. The nurse should assist the client to change positions every 2 hours and use pillows or splints to support the incision.
Choice C: This is incorrect because applying a warm, moist compress to the incision area can interfere with wound healing and increase the risk of infection. The nurse should keep the incision site clean and dry and follow the provider's orders for dressing changes.
Choice D: This is incorrect because administering an additional dose of pain medication is not necessary when the client reports a pain level of 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. The nurse should monitor the client's pain level and administer pain medication as prescribed and as needed.
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