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:

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.

A. Bradycardia. B. Decreased respiratory rate. C. Hypoglycemia. D. Hypertension.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Bradycardia, a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with acute pain. In response to pain, the body usually experiences increased heart rate (tachycardia) as part of the stress response.

Choice B rationale:

A decreased respiratory rate is not an expected finding in response to acute pain. Acute pain often leads to increased respiratory rate as the body attempts to manage the pain and stress.

Choice C rationale:

Hypoglycemia, a low blood sugar level, is not a typical physiological response to acute pain. Acute pain is more likely to induce a release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels.

Choice D rationale:

Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, is an expected physiological response to acute pain. Pain activates the body's stress response, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which can cause vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. This response helps prepare the body to cope with the pain and stress. Monitoring blood pressure in a client reporting acute pain is essential to assess the impact of pain and determine appropriate pain management strategies.

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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

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

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?