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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Culture can influence a person's perception and expression of pain. It's important to consider cultural factors when assessing and managing pain because beliefs and attitudes about pain can vary significantly among different cultural groups. This can affect how pain is experienced and communicated.
Choice B rationale:
Psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms, play a significant role in the experience of pain. Assessing psychological factors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the patient's pain experience and developing appropriate pain management strategies.
Choice C rationale:
Understanding the patient's history of pain is crucial for a focused pain assessment. Previous experiences with pain, including the cause, intensity, and effectiveness of previous pain management strategies, can provide valuable insights into the current pain situation.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing contributing factors, such as concurrent medical conditions, injuries, or environmental factors, is essential to determine the underlying causes of pain and develop an effective pain management plan.
Choice E rationale:
Verbal indicators are essential for assessing pain. Patients often describe their pain in words, and understanding their descriptions and expressions of pain is fundamental to evaluating its intensity, location, quality, and duration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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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