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 A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period, typically more than 3-6 months, and is often associated with conditions like arthritis. Severe arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, as it persists over a long duration.
Choice B rationale:
Episodic pain refers to pain that occurs intermittently, with pain-free intervals in between. This term is not appropriate for describing the continuous discomfort associated with severe arthritis.
Choice C rationale:
Phantom pain is the sensation of pain in a body part that has been amputated or lost, which is not relevant to a patient with severe arthritis.
Choice D rationale:
Acute pain is typically short-term and results from a specific injury or illness. It is not the appropriate term for describing the long-lasting pain associated with severe arthritis.

A. using heavy pressure on the cold pack for greater effectiveness. B. leaving the pack in place for over 30 minutes at a time. C. preparing to apply heat instead if cold is not effective. D. placing a towel between the pack and the skin.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Using heavy pressure on the cold pack for greater effectiveness is not the correct approach when applying a cold pack to an injured area. Applying excessive pressure can lead to tissue damage, frostbite, and can be uncomfortable for the patient. Cold packs should be applied with gentle, even pressure to avoid complications.

Choice B rationale:

Leaving the cold pack in place for over 30 minutes at a time is not recommended. Prolonged exposure to cold can also cause tissue damage, including frostbite. It is generally advised to limit cold pack applications to 20-30 minutes at a time to prevent complications.

Choice C rationale:

Preparing to apply heat instead if cold is not effective is not the appropriate action in this scenario. When a healthcare provider orders a cold pack application, it is essential to follow the prescribed treatment plan. Heat should only be considered if it is specifically ordered as an alternative treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Placing a towel between the pack and the skin is the correct approach to prevent patient injury when applying a cold pack. This helps to protect the skin from direct contact with the cold pack, reducing the risk of frostbite or cold-related injuries. It ensures a barrier between the cold pack and the patient's skin, providing a safe and comfortable application.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient experiencing discomfort because of severe arthritis would be described as having:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse caring for a patient who suffered a severe sprain and has an order for a cold pack application to the injured area would prevent patient injury by:.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The most helpful intervention by the nurse for a hospitalized child who is having difficulty falling asleep would be to:

A nurse explains that endorphins are capable of reducing pain:

The patient having difficulty sleeping lives right off the freeway in an apartment complex where many young people live.To try to alleviate the problem, the nurse counsels her to try:.

One thing the nurse would ask the patient to do to try to locate the reason for her insomnia is to:.

Going to bed hungry or overly full does not interfere with sleep. It helps the patient reach REM state of sleep faster.

The nurse is aware that the new order for indomethacin (Indocin) involves the administration of a:.

Kathy is working in a mother-baby unit. Which pain scale is used to determine if the baby is in pain?

A nurse is caring for a client who is using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump for postoperative pain management. The nurse enters the room to find the client asleep and his partner pressing the button to dispense a dose of analgesia. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

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?