A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine through a PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) device. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Encourage family members to press the PCA button for the client.

Monitor the client's respiratory status every 4 hours.

Teach the client how to self-medicate using the PCA device.

Administer an oral opioid for breakthrough pain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Encouraging family members to press the PCA button for the client is not recommended. The PCA device is designed to be used by the patient to manage their own pain. Allowing someone other than the patient to administer the medication can lead to over-sedation or respiratory depression. The patient must have control over the PCA device to ensure that they are receiving the medication based on their pain level and not someone else's perception of their pain.

Choice B reason: Monitoring the client's respiratory status every 4 hours is important but may not be sufficient for a patient receiving morphine via a PCA device. According to clinical guidelines, respiratory rate, sedation, and pain scores must be recorded more frequently after the initiation of PCA therapy—typically every 15 minutes for the first hour, then every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, and hourly until 24 hours post-operation. This is to ensure early detection of any adverse effects such as respiratory depression, which is a risk with opioid administration.

Choice C reason: Teaching the client how to self-medicate using the PCA device is the correct action. Patient education is crucial for the effective use of PCA. The patient should be instructed on how to use the device, including when to press the button and the importance of only the patient controlling the button. This empowers the patient to manage their pain effectively and safely, ensuring that they receive the medication when needed and reducing the risk of over-sedation or under-medication.

Choice D reason: Administering an oral opioid for breakthrough pain may be necessary if the PCA does not adequately control the patient's pain. However, this should be done cautiously and typically under the guidance of a pain management team or physician. Breakthrough pain medication is usually reserved for instances where the PCA is not providing sufficient pain relief, and the patient's pain is assessed to be higher than what can be managed by the PCA alone.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Laryngeal edema is a classic sign of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can lead to difficulty breathing and requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can occur with any medication, including captopril, especially on initial exposure.

Choice B reason: Fever is not typically a sign of anaphylaxis. While it can be a symptom of various infections or inflammatory processes, it is not indicative of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.

Choice C reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a sign of anaphylaxis. In fact, during an anaphylactic reaction, blood pressure often drops significantly, a condition known as anaphylactic shock.

Choice D reason: Arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, can be associated with various cardiac conditions but is not a specific indicator of anaphylaxis. While severe allergic reactions can affect heart rate, they are more likely to cause hypotension than arrhythmia.

A. Uric acid B. Intrinsic factor C. Chloride level D. Creatinine kinase

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason : Uric acid levels are expected to be increased in a client with acute gout. Gout is associated with hyperuricemia, where serum or plasma urate concentrations exceed 6.8 mg/dL. This elevation in uric acid can lead to the formation of monosodium urate crystals in joints, causing the characteristic painful inflammation of gout.

Choice B reason : Intrinsic factor is not related to gout. It is a protein produced by the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

Choice C reason : Chloride levels are typically not affected in acute gout and are not a specific indicator for this condition.

Choice D reason : Creatinine kinase is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. Elevated levels may indicate muscle damage but are not a specific marker for gout.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving morphine through a PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) device. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client following the administration of an initial dose of captopril. Which of the following findings indicates an anaphylactic response?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has acute gout. The nurse should expect an increase in which of the following laboratory results?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is performing pin care for a patient with an external fixation device for a fractured tibia. Which assessment finding by the nurse should be reported to the unit care coordinator?

A client with a spinal cord injury is at risk for experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse would carefully monitor the client for which of the following manifestations?

A nurse is reviewing orders for a patient in anaphylactic shock. Which medication should the nurse plan to administer first?

A hospice nurse is planning care for a client who has lung cancer. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to incorporate the client's and family's cultural beliefs?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a contusion of the brainstem and reports thirst. The client's urinary output was 4,000 mL over the past 24 hours. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following intravenous (IV) medications?

A nurse in the emergency department is monitoring a client who is receiving dopamine to treat hypovolemic shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication for increasing the client's dopamine dosage?

A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has osteoporosis and is prescribed (Fosamax) alendronate 70 mg PO weekly. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further instruction?