A nurse is caring for a client who is at the end of life. The client's partner is concerned about using opioid narcotics to manage the client's pain. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"Opioid narcotics are restricted for the client because of the risk for addiction."
"Using opioid narcotics will limit options available for future management of pain."
"The use of opioid narcotics is restricted to when death is imminent
"The dosage of the opioid narcotic is unlimited."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "Opioid narcotics are restricted for the client because of the risk for addiction":
This statement is not accurate and may contribute to unnecessary fear or misunderstanding about opioid use. While there is a risk of opioid addiction, it is generally low when opioids are used appropriately for pain management, especially in end-of-life care settings where the focus is on comfort and symptom management.
B. "Using opioid narcotics will limit options available for future management of pain":
This statement is misleading and may cause unnecessary concern. In end-of-life care, the priority is to provide effective pain relief and maximize comfort for the client. Opioid narcotics are an essential component of pain management in palliative and hospice care and do not necessarily limit future pain management options.
C. "The use of opioid narcotics is restricted to when death is imminent":
This statement is not accurate. Opioid narcotics can be used for pain management at various stages of illness, including but not limited to end-of-life care. While opioids are commonly used in palliative and hospice care settings, they may also be indicated for pain management in other clinical contexts.
D. "The dosage of the opioid narcotic is unlimited":
This statement is the most appropriate response. In end-of-life care, the goal of pain management is to relieve suffering and maximize comfort. Opioid dosages are titrated based on the client's pain intensity and response, and there is no strict limit to the dosage if needed to achieve adequate pain control. The priority is to ensure that the client is comfortable and free from pain as much as possible, even if higher doses of opioids are required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Root cause analysis:
Root cause analysis is a method used to identify the underlying causes of adverse events or errors. While it is important for quality improvement and risk management, it does not specifically involve using research and scientific data to guide clinical decision-making in client care.
B. Evidence-based practice:
Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves integrating the best available evidence from research studies with clinical expertise and patient preferences to guide decision-making in client care. By utilizing research and scientific data, nurses can identify effective interventions and strategies to improve client outcomes.
C. Benchmarking:
Benchmarking involves comparing performance metrics or outcomes against standards or best practices. While benchmarking can inform quality improvement efforts, it does not directly involve using research and scientific data to guide clinical decision-making.
D. Standardization:
Standardization involves implementing consistent processes or protocols to improve quality and safety. While standardization is important for ensuring consistency in care delivery, it does not necessarily rely on research and scientific data to inform clinical decision-making as evidence-based practice does.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "The client has developed drooping facial features":
This statement provides essential information regarding a new symptom that the client has developed, which is drooping facial features. This is crucial information for the provider to understand the current status of the client's condition. However, it's more pertinent to the assessment and current issue rather than the client's background.
B) "The client may benefit from a neurology consult":
While a neurology consult may indeed be necessary based on the client's symptoms, it falls more under the assessment and recommendation components of the SBAR communication tool. The background component should focus on providing the provider with pertinent information about the client's current condition and relevant history.
C) "The client has a history of hypertension":
This statement is the correct choice. It provides important background information about the client's medical history, which is relevant to the current situation. The history of hypertension could potentially contribute to the development of drooping facial features, as certain complications of hypertension can lead to neurological symptoms.
D) “The client is disoriented and pupils are slow to respond to light":
While disorientation and pupil response are significant clinical findings, they are not mentioned in the stem of the question. The background component of the SBAR should focus on the specific information related to the current issue, which in this case is the development of drooping facial features.
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