A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who is receiving pain medication by the epidural route.
It is most important to monitor this patient for which adverse drug effects?

Constipation.

Hypoventilation.

Nausea.

Headache.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Constipation is not a common adverse effect of pain medication administered by the epidural route. Pain medication primarily affects the central nervous system and does not typically impact the gastrointestinal system in a way that would lead to constipation.

Choice B rationale:

Hypoventilation is the correct answer. When opioids or other potent pain medications are administered by the epidural route, they can depress the respiratory center in the brain, leading to hypoventilation (slow or inadequate breathing). This is a critical concern and the most important adverse effect to monitor because it can lead to respiratory compromise or even respiratory arrest.

Choice C rationale:

Nausea can be a side effect of some pain medications, but it is not the most important adverse effect to monitor in a patient receiving epidural pain medication. Nausea can often be managed with antiemetic medications.

Choice D rationale:

Headache is not a common adverse effect of epidural pain medication. The administration of pain medication into the epidural space is localized to the spinal area and does not typically lead to headaches.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Sedatives and hypnotics are not typically recommended for long-term relief of sleep problems. They are more commonly used for short-term management of insomnia or acute sleep disturbances. Using these medications for an extended period can lead to tolerance, dependence, and potential side effects.

Choice B rationale:

Neuritis secondary to diabetes is not directly related to the use of sedatives and hypnotics for sleep. This choice does not affect the true or false statement about the long-term use of these medications.

Choice C rationale:

A severely sprained ankle does not impact the use of sedatives and hypnotics for sleep. This choice is not relevant to the true or false statement regarding the long-term use of these medications.

Choice D rationale:

Impaired peripheral circulation is not a determining factor for the long-term use of sedatives and hypnotics for sleep. This choice does not influence the true or false statement in question.

A. The client has an elevated blood pressure. B. The client is asleep. C. The client has an increased respiratory rate. D. The client is diaphoretic.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

An elevated blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of a decrease in pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, and it may not directly correlate with the relief of pain.

Choice B rationale:

The client being asleep is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. While opioids may cause drowsiness as a side effect, the absence of pain cannot be confirmed solely based on the patient's sleep state.

Choice C rationale:

An increased respiratory rate can be a reliable indicator of decreased pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Opioids often cause respiratory depression, so an increased respiratory rate may suggest that the patient's pain is adequately managed, as they are not experiencing excessive respiratory depression.

Choice D rationale:

Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. Diaphoresis can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, and may not specifically reflect pain relief. .

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A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who is receiving pain medication by the epidural route.It is most important to monitor this patient for which adverse drug effects?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Medication such as sedatives and hypnotics are sometimes prescribed to promote sleep. These can be used for long-term relief.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data on a client following administration of an opioid narcotic.Which of the following findings indicates a decrease in the client's pain?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who is receiving pain medication by the epidural route.
It is most important to monitor this patient for which adverse drug effects?