A nurse is caring for a client who has expressive aphasia following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which of the following parameters should the nurse use first in order to assess the client’s pain level?
Pulse and blood pressure findings
Scheduled treatments and client illness
A self-report pain rating scale
Behavioral indicators and affect
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. Pulse and blood pressure findings are not reliable indicators of pain, as they can be influenced by many other factors, such as anxiety, medication, or underlying conditions. They are also not sensitive enough to detect changes in pain intensity or relief.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect. Scheduled treatments and client illness are not relevant parameters for assessing pain, as they do not reflect the current pain experience of the client. They may provide some clues about the possible causes or sources of pain, but they do not measure the pain itself.
Choice C Reason: This is correct. A self-report pain rating scale is the most valid and reliable parameter for assessing pain, as it reflects the subjective perception of the client. The nurse should use a simple and appropriate scale, such as a numeric or visual analog scale, and ask the client to point to the number or picture that best represents their pain level.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. Behavioral indicators and affect are useful parameters for assessing pain, especially when the client has difficulty communicating verbally, but they are not the first choice. They are more subjective and variable than self-report, and they may be influenced by cultural or personal factors. They should be used in conjunction with self-report, not instead of it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Troponin I is a laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate the provider to prescribe. Troponin I is a protein that is released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged. Troponin I levels are elevated in clients who have acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which is a heart atack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart. Chest pressure and shortness of breath are common signs and symptoms of AMI. Troponin I is a specific and sensitive marker of cardiac injury and can help diagnose AMI and guide treatment.
Choice B: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is not a laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate the provider to prescribe. AST is an enzyme that is found in various tissues, such as the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and kidneys. AST levels are elevated in clients who have liver damage, hepatitis, cirrhosis, or alcohol abuse. AST levels can also be elevated in clients who have AMI, but they are not as specific or sensitive as troponin I. AST is not a reliable indicator of cardiac injury and can be influenced by other factors.
Choice C: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is not a laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate the provider to prescribe. BNP is a hormone that is secreted by the heart when it is stretched or overloaded. BNP levels are elevated in clients who have heart failure, which is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the
body's needs. Shortness of breath can be a sign of heart failure, but chest pressure is not. BNP is not a specific or sensitive marker of cardiac injury and can be influenced by other factors.
Choice D: Lipase is not a laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate the provider to prescribe. Lipase is an enzyme that is produced by the pancreas and helps digest fats. Lipase levels are elevated in clients who have pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Chest pressure and shortness of breath are not signs of pancreatitis. Lipase is not a specific or sensitive marker of cardiac injury and has no relation to AMI.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not affect the electrical activity of the heart or the conduction system. It does not slow down the ventricular response to the atrial impulses.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not dissolve existing clots in the bloodstream. It only prevents new clots from forming.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because dabigatran reduces the risk of stroke in clients who have atrial fibrillation by preventing clot formation and reducing blood viscosity. Dabigatran is an anticoagulant medication that prevents the formation of blood clots in the heart and blood vessels. Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the atria beat irregularly and rapidly, which can cause blood to pool and clot in the heart chambers. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Dabigatran reduces the risk of stroke by preventing clot formation and reducing blood viscosity.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because dabigatran does not restore normal sinus rhythm in clients who have atrial fibrillation. It does not affect the heart rate or rhythm.
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