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
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed complex. Obstructive apnea is the most common type. It is caused by the relaxation of the soft tissues, which allows partial to total obstruction of the airway. (True or False) = The correct answer is True.
Choice A rationale:
True. Obstructive sleep apnea is indeed the most common type. It occurs when the soft tissues in the throat and the muscles of the upper airway relax too much during sleep, leading to a partial or complete blockage of the airway. This obstruction results in the characteristic pauses in breathing that are a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea.
Choice B rationale:
False. Obstructive sleep apnea is not caused by the need for hypnotics or sleep-inducing medications. It is a physiological condition related to airway obstruction during sleep and not a result of poor sleep hygiene or a lack of medication.
Choice C rationale:
False. While it's true that older adults may have changes in their sleep patterns, this doesn't mean they require 10 hours of sleep a day to prevent fatigue. Sleep needs can vary among individuals, and older adults often experience more fragmented sleep and may nap during the day, but the requirement for 10 hours of sleep a day is not a general rule.
Choice D rationale:
False. Older adults may nap more during the day due to changes in their sleep patterns, but it doesn't necessarily mean they need to nap less to sleep better at night. The sleep-wake cycle of older adults may be different from younger individuals, and it's not always necessary for them to reduce daytime napping to improve nighttime sleep.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sleeping with the window open for fresh air may not be the best solution in this scenario. While fresh air can be beneficial for sleep, it might not effectively block out the noise from the freeway and the nearby apartment complex. Furthermore, depending on the climate and location, having the window open might lead to discomfort or temperature-related issues.
Choice B rationale:
Performing exercise at bedtime is not a recommended solution for someone experiencing difficulty sleeping due to external noise. Exercise before bedtime can increase alertness and make it even more challenging to fall asleep, especially if it's vigorous exercise. It may exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it.
Choice C rationale:
Having a couple of drinks at bedtime is not a suitable solution for sleep problems. Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to poor-quality sleep. It may help the patient fall asleep initially but can lead to frequent awakenings and a less restful night's sleep.
Choice D rationale:
The correct choice is to wear soft earplugs for sleep. Soft earplugs can effectively reduce or block out external noise, providing a quieter sleep environment. This is a practical and safe solution to address the noise issue in the patient's apartment complex. It promotes better sleep quality without any negative side effects.
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