A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving a spinal epidural to treat a herniated disc.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indicator of unrelieved pain?
Urinary retention
Constipation
Difficulty swallowing
Restlessness
The Correct Answer is D
Restlessness can be an indicator of unrelieved pain in a client who is receiving a spinal epidural to treat a herniated disc. Restlessness is often a manifestation of discomfort or agitation, which can be caused by inadequate pain management. When a client's pain is not adequately relieved, they may exhibit restlessness as they try to find a more comfortable position or seek relief from the discomfort.
Urinary retention (option A) is incorrect because it can be a side effect of certain medications used in pain management, such as opioids, but it is not a specific indicator of unrelieved pain. It is important to monitor for urinary retention as a potential complication of spinal epidural anaesthesia, but it is not directly related to pain relief.
Constipation (option B) is incorrect because it is another possible side effect of opioid medications, but it is not a specific indicator of unrelieved pain. It is important to address constipation as a potential adverse effect of pain management, but it is not a direct indicator of pain relief.
Difficulty swallowing (option C) is incorrect because it is not a common indicator of unrelieved pain in the context of a spinal epidural. It may be associated with other conditions or complications but is not specifically related to pain relief.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood. It can have various manifestations, and one of the critical effects of hyperkalemia is its impact on cardiac function. High levels of potassium can disrupt the normal electrical conduction in the heart, leading to arrhythmias or irregular heart rate. These arrhythmias can range from mild palpitations to more severe and life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation.
Dry mucous membranes are more commonly associated with dehydration or reduced fluid intake. Hyperkalemia does not directly cause dry mucous membranes.
Trousseau's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, not hyperkalemia. It is characterized by carpal spasms induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the client's systolic blood pressure for a few minutes.
Hyperactive reflexes are commonly seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain neurologic disorders. They are not directly related to hyperkalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Fluid overload refers to an excess volume of fluid in the body, which can occur as a result of various factors, including excessive fluid intake or inadequate fluid removal. Crackles heard in the lungs, also known as rales, can indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema. It is a common manifestation of fluid overload and can be detected through auscultation of the lungs.
Weight loss is typically associated with inadequate calorie or nutrient intake, rather than fluid overload.
Decreased blood pressure is more commonly associated with hypovolemia or low blood volume, rather than fluid overload.
Decreased skin turgor is a sign of dehydration or reduced skin elasticity, which is typically seen in conditions involving fluid deficit rather than fluid overload.
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