A nurse is caring for a client who is using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump for postoperative pain management.
The nurse enters the room to find the client asleep and his partner pressing the button to dispense a dose of analgesia.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Your husband should decide when more medication is needed.”.
"Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?".
"It's a good idea to help make sure your husband can sleep comfortably.”.
"Next time you think he needs more medication, call me and I'll push the button.”.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. "Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?"
Choice A rationale:
"Your husband should decide when more medication is needed.” This response is incorrect because it implies that the partner has the authority to decide when the client needs pain medication, which violates the purpose of a PCA pump. A PCA pump is specifically designed for client-controlled pain management, ensuring that the patient, not anyone else, controls when they receive pain medication. Allowing someone else to press the button can lead to overmedication and safety risks.
Choice B rationale:
"Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?" This response is correct because it prompts the partner to reflect on their actions and provides an opportunity for the nurse to educate about the proper use of PCA pumps. It addresses the immediate issue without being confrontational and opens the door for further discussion on the importance of client safety and correct PCA use.
Choice C rationale:
"It's a good idea to help make sure your husband can sleep comfortably.” This response is incorrect as it endorses inappropriate and unsafe behavior. It encourages the partner to continue pressing the PCA button, risking the client's safety due to potential overmedication, which can lead to severe complications, such as respiratory depression.
Choice D rationale:
"Next time you think he needs more medication, call me and I'll push the button.” This response is incorrect because it contradicts PCA protocols and removes the control from the client. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client’s pain and safety, not administering medication upon another person’s request. This approach also increases the risk of dosing errors and undermines the purpose of patient-controlled analgesia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Offering an ice pack to place on the neck would not be an appropriate response in this situation. The patient has already complained that the ice massage is making the pain worse, so providing additional cold application may exacerbate their discomfort.
Choice B rationale:
The most helpful response in this scenario is to acknowledge the patient's discomfort and stop the cold application. Not everyone responds positively to cold therapy, and it's essential to respect the patient's feedback and provide alternative methods for pain relief.
Choice C rationale:
Alternating hot and cold applications may be helpful for some patients, but in this case, the patient has already expressed that the ice massage is exacerbating their pain. Suggesting this approach without addressing the patient's immediate concern is not appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
While it's true that the discomfort from the ice massage may subside in a few minutes, it's important to prioritize the patient's comfort and address their pain immediately. Continuing an intervention that is causing increased pain is not in the patient's best interest.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Decreased respirations and a rapid heart rate are not indicative of stage 3 of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. In stage 3, respirations are typically slow and regular, and the heart rate is slower than during wakefulness.
Choice B rationale:
Rapid respirations and a rapid heart rate are indicative of stage 3 of NREM sleep. During this stage, respiration and heart rate are more irregular compared to the earlier stages of sleep. This stage is characterized by increased physiological arousal compared to stages 1 and 2.
Choice C rationale:
Rapid respirations and a slow heart rate do not represent stage 3 of NREM sleep. In this stage, respiration tends to be rapid, and the heart rate, while slower than during wakefulness, is not slow.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased respirations and a slow heart rate are not consistent with stage 3 of NREM sleep. This stage is associated with more active and variable physiological processes, including rapid respirations and a relatively higher heart rate compared to later sleep stages.
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