A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing pain related to a musculoskeletal disorder. Which statement about chronic pain is most accurate?
Chronic pain could cause restlessness, pacing, grimacing, and other facial expressions of pain.
Chronic pain is limited and short in duration.
A patient with chronic pain may have physical signs of tissue injury.
Chronic pain may not manifest in a change of vital signs.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Chronic pain can manifest in various behavioral and physical symptoms, including restlessness, pacing, grimacing, and other facial expressions of pain. These behaviors are often unconscious attempts to cope with or distract from the pain.
They may also reflect the emotional distress that often accompanies chronic pain. Patients may feel frustrated, anxious, or even depressed due to the persistent nature of their pain and its impact on their lives.
It's crucial for nurses to recognize these behavioral signs of pain, as patients may not always readily report their pain verbally. By observing these behaviors, nurses can assess the patient's pain level more accurately and provide appropriate interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for longer than three months, often for much longer. It is not limited and short in duration.
This distinguishes it from acute pain, which is typically associated with an injury or illness and resolves within a few days or weeks.
Choice C rationale:
While some patients with chronic pain may have physical signs of tissue injury, this is not always the case. Chronic pain can also be caused by nerve damage, inflammation, or changes in the central nervous system.
In some cases, the underlying cause of chronic pain may be unknown.
Choice D rationale:
Although chronic pain may not always cause a significant change in vital signs, it can still be a very real and debilitating experience for patients.
Vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, are often more sensitive to acute pain.
Nurses should not rely solely on vital signs to assess chronic pain. Instead, they should consider the patient's self-report of pain, behavioral cues, and other factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
It is not necessary to remind a patient to avoid turning from side to side after femoral artery catheterization. Restricting movement in this way could actually increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Early ambulation is generally encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
Patients are typically allowed to turn and reposition themselves as needed for comfort, unless there are specific contraindications.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping the patient in a high-Fowler's position for 6 hours is not a standard recommendation following femoral artery catheterization.
The patient's position should be based on their individual needs and comfort level.
In some cases, a slight elevation of the head of the bed may be helpful to promote venous return, but prolonged high-Fowler's positioning is not necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Passive range-of-motion exercises are not typically performed on the affected extremity immediately following femoral artery catheterization.
This is because there is a risk of dislodging the catheter or causing bleeding at the puncture site.
Once the catheter has been removed and the puncture site has healed, gentle range-of-motion exercises may be recommended to help maintain joint mobility.
Choice D rationale:
Checking pedal pulses every 15 minutes is essential to assess for adequate circulation to the lower extremities following femoral artery catheterization.
This is because there is a risk of complications such as thrombosis or embolism, which can compromise blood flow to the legs and feet.
If the pedal pulses are weak or absent, it could indicate a serious problem that requires immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Naloxone does not have any direct effect on respiratory secretions. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and reversing the effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression.
While opioids can cause a decrease in respiratory secretions, this is not the primary reason for administering naloxone.
It is important to note that naloxone can actually worsen respiratory secretions in some patients, particularly those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory conditions.
Choice B rationale:
Naloxone is a medication that is specifically designed to block the effects of opioids on the central nervous system (CNS).
It is a competitive antagonist, which means that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and prevents opioids from binding to those receptors.
This can reverse the effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension.
Naloxone is often used to treat opioid overdose, but it can also be used to prevent opioid-induced respiratory depression in patients who are receiving opioids for pain relief.
Choice C rationale:
Naloxone is not effective in treating nausea.
In fact, it can actually worsen nausea in some patients.
This is because naloxone can block the effects of opioids in the brain, and opioids can sometimes have a nausea-relieving effect.
Choice D rationale:
Naloxone is not effective in treating urinary retention.
Urinary retention is a common side effect of opioids, but it is not caused by the effects of opioids on the CNS. Urinary retention is typically caused by the effects of opioids on the bladder muscles.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.