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 C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
The primary care provider (PCP) is responsible for prescribing the PCA but does not typically program the PCA pump. The PCP may set the initial parameters for the PCA, such as the dose and lockout interval, but the actual programming and operation of the PCA pump is typically carried out by the nursing staff.
Choice B rationale:
Pharmaceutical companies manufacture and provide medications, including the medications used in PCA, but they do not program PCA pumps. Programming and administration of the PCA are nursing responsibilities.
Choice D rationale:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) can assist in the administration and monitoring of PCA, but they do not typically program the PCA pump. Registered nurses are usually responsible for the programming and operation of PCA pumps.

A. bring a newspaper or deck of cards according to patient choice. B. find a focal point in the room. C. obtain skin lotion and a towel to give a back rub. D. read from a script that helps the patient visualize a restful place.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Bringing a newspaper or deck of cards does not directly relate to guided imagery, which is a technique used to help patients manage pain through visualization. It's important to provide interventions that align with the patient's expressed preference and pain management goals.

Choice B rationale:

Finding a focal point in the room is not directly related to guided imagery. While it may be helpful for relaxation in some cases, it's not a specific technique for guiding a patient through visualization to manage pain.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining skin lotion and a towel for a back rub is not related to guided imagery, and it assumes the patient's preference without considering the patient's previously mentioned benefit from guided imagery.

Choice D rationale:

Reading from a script that helps the patient visualize a restful place aligns with the practice of guided imagery. This technique can be effective in helping patients manage pain by redirecting their focus and promoting relaxation. It's a suitable intervention based on the patient's past experience and preferences. .

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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

The nurse takes into consideration that when the patient has an order for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), the pump will be programmed by the:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient experiencing pain states that guided imagery has made the pain more manageable in the past.To assist this patient, the nurse should:.

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?

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?