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
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) is commonly used to assess pain in newborns and infants. It evaluates multiple indicators of pain, including facial expression, crying, breathing patterns, and arms and legs' movements, to determine if a baby is in pain.
Choice B rationale:
The FACES pain rating scale for children is not typically used for infants, as it relies on a child's ability to point to or describe their pain using facial expressions.
Choice C rationale:
The Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) Scale is used primarily for preterm infants and not typically for all newborns. It is more specific to certain populations.
Choice D rationale:
The FLACC Scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is used for assessing pain in young children who may not be able to self-report. It's not specific to infants, and the NIPS is more appropriate for this population.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
True. As people age, it is common for them to experience more frequent awakenings during the night. This is often due to changes in sleep patterns, such as a decreased ability to maintain deep sleep, which can result in waking up more easily. Additionally, older adults may nap more during the day, which can affect their nighttime sleep patterns.
Choice B rationale:
False. Giving older adults hypnotics to induce better sleep is not a recommended approach as it may have adverse effects, including dependency and increased risk of falls. The focus should be on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of sleep disturbances in older adults.
Choice C rationale:
False. While it is important to assess and address sleep concerns in older adults, there is no fixed requirement of needing at least 10 hours of sleep a day to prevent fatigue. Sleep needs can vary, and older adults may require less sleep than younger individuals.
Choice D rationale:
False. Older adults may nap more during the day, but reducing daytime napping is not a guaranteed solution to improve nighttime sleep. Sleep patterns can change with age, and individual variations in sleep needs and habits should be considered.
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