A nurse is caring for a client who had surgery 2 days ago and reports incisional pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Determine the time the last dose of pain medication was administered.
Reposition the client to assist with reduction of pain.
Ask the client to describe the pain and rate it on a scale of 0 to 10.
Check the client’s medical record for type of PRN pain medication.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason
Determine the time the last dose of pain medication was administered. While it is important to know when the last dose of pain medication was given, assessing the client’s current pain level is a priority. This helps in understanding the severity and nature of the pain, which guides further interventions.
Choice B Reason
Reposition the client to assist with reduction of pain. Repositioning can help alleviate pain, but it should be done after assessing the pain. Without understanding the pain’s characteristics, repositioning might not address the underlying issue effectively.
Choice C Reason
Ask the client to describe the pain and rate it on a scale of 0 to 10. This is the correct first action. Pain assessment is crucial in determining the appropriate intervention. By asking the client to describe and rate their pain, the nurse can tailor the pain management plan to the client’s specific needs.
Choice D Reason
Check the client’s medical record for type of PRN pain medication. Reviewing the medical record for PRN pain medication is important, but it should follow the initial pain assessment. Knowing the pain’s intensity and characteristics will help in deciding whether PRN medication is needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Expressive aphasia is a common symptom of a left-hemisphere stroke. This condition, also known as Broca’s aphasia, affects the ability to produce language, making it difficult for the patient to speak fluently. The patient may understand speech but struggle to form coherent sentences, often speaking in short, choppy phrases.
Choice B Reason
Poor impulse control is more commonly associated with right-hemisphere strokes. The right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for controlling impulsive behavior and emotional regulation. Therefore, this symptom is less likely to be observed in a patient with a left-hemisphere stroke.
Choice C Reason
Left hemiparesis refers to weakness on the left side of the body. Since the left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body, a left-hemisphere stroke typically results in right-sided weakness or paralysis. Therefore, left hemiparesis is not a typical finding in this scenario.
Choice D Reason
Disorientation to place can occur after a stroke, but it is not specifically associated with left-hemisphere strokes. Disorientation is a general symptom that can result from various types of brain injuries and is not exclusive to strokes affecting the left hemisphere.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Carbidopa/levodopa can cause the urine to turn a dark color, such as red, brown, or black. This is a harmless side effect but can be alarming to patients if they are not forewarned. Informing patients about this potential change helps to prevent unnecessary concern.
Choice B Reason:
Expecting immediate relief after taking carbidopa/levodopa is not accurate. While some patients may experience symptom relief relatively quickly, it often takes several weeks for the full therapeutic effects to be realized. Patients should be advised to continue taking the medication as prescribed and to communicate with their healthcare provider about their progress.
Choice C Reason:
Taking carbidopa/levodopa with high-protein food is not recommended. High-protein foods can interfere with the absorption of the medication, reducing its effectiveness. It is generally advised to take the medication on an empty stomach or with a low-protein snack.
Choice D Reason:
Skipping a dose of the medication if experiencing dizziness is not advisable. Dizziness can be a side effect of carbidopa/levodopa, but it should be managed by adjusting the dose or timing of the medication rather than skipping doses. Patients should discuss any side effects with their healthcare provider to find the best management strategy.
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