A nurse is caring for a client who has Stage IV lung cancer and was prescribed opioid medications for pain management. The client is unable to engage in most physical activities. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse anticipate?
Mucositis
Bleeding
Impaction
Diarrhea
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Mucositis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, which is commonly associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, not directly with opioid use. While it can be a concern for cancer patients, it is not a typical side effect of opioids.
Choice B reason:
Bleeding is not a common side effect of opioid medications. While cancer patients may experience bleeding due to various reasons, including the cancer itself or treatment-related issues, opioids do not typically cause bleeding.
Choice C reason:
Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common side effect of opioid medications due to their action on the gastrointestinal tract. Opioids reduce gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation, which can progress to impaction if not managed properly. This is a manifestation that nurses should anticipate and manage proactively in clients taking opioid medications for pain management.
Choice D reason:
Diarrhea is not typically associated with opioid use. In fact, opioids are more likely to cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Diarrhea may occur as a result of other treatments or conditions but is not a direct side effect of opioids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Babinski's sign is a neurological reflex that's tested by stroking the sole of the foot. A positive Babinski's sign, which is normal in infants but abnormal in adults, is indicated by dorsiflexion of the great toe (the toe points up) while the other toes fan out. This reflex suggests dysfunction of the corticospinal tract, which may be due to various neurological conditions. In the context of a stuporous patient with an unrepaired femur fracture, a positive Babinski's sign could indicate an acute neurological change possibly related to the injury or a secondary complication such as a fat embolism syndrome, which can occur after fractures and may affect the brain.
Choice B reason:
Pronation of the arms is not associated with Babinski's sign. Pronation is a rotational movement where the hand and upper arm are turned inwards. While arm movements are part of the neurological examination, they do not constitute a response to the plantar reflex test used to elicit Babinski's sign.
Choice C reason:
Pinpoint pupils may indicate opioid overdose or damage to the pons due to various causes, but they are not a component of Babinski's sign. Pupil size and reaction to light are important in neurological assessments, but they are separate from the reflexes tested by the Babinski sign.
Choice D reason:
Jerking contractions of the head and neck are not related to Babinski's sign. These could be indicative of seizure activity or other neurological disorders but are not a response to the plantar reflex test.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Asking about dietary changes is relevant to a skin assessment, as diet can influence skin health. However, this question does not require intervention unless the dietary changes are directly related to the skin condition. If the client has been advised to follow a specific diet for their skin condition, then the nurse should ensure compliance with that diet.
Choice B reason:
This question shifts the focus from the skin condition’s characteristics and impact to general coping mechanisms. It does not help determine the lesion’s symptoms, triggers, or functional effects, and thus does not align with a targeted skin assessment framework, requiring intervention.
Choice C reason:
Exploring how the skin issue affects the client’s feelings reveals psychosocial stressors and the emotional burden of living with a visible condition. This insight supports holistic care planning, adherence strategies, and therapeutic rapport.
Choice D reason:
Sleep disturbances can be a consequence of skin conditions, especially if they involve itching or pain. This question is pertinent to the assessment and does not require intervention. The information gathered can help in formulating a comprehensive care plan that addresses the client's comfort and sleep quality.
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