A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed fentanyl patches for chronic cancer pain management at home. Which statement by the patient indicates that he understands how to use this medication safely?
“I will change the patch every other day.”
“I will apply the patch to a hairy area for better adhesion.”
“I will remove the old patch before applying a new one.”
“I will cut the patch in half if I need a lower dose.”.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. The patient should remove the old patch before applying a new one to avoid overdose and adverse effects of fentanyl. Fentanyl patches are designed to deliver a constant amount of opioid analgesic over a period of time, usually 72 hours.
Therefore, changing the patch every other day (choice A) would result in inadequate pain relief and withdrawal symptoms.
Applying the patch to a hairy area (choice B) would interfere with the absorption of the drug and reduce its effectiveness.
Cutting the patch in half (choice D) would damage the integrity of the patch and cause erratic or rapid release of the drug, which could be fatal. Fentanyl patches should be applied to a clean, dry, hairless area of intact skin on the upper torso or upper arm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Serum calcium.Etidronate is a bisphosphonate that inhibits bone resorption and reduces the risk of skeletal complications in patients with cancer-related bone pain.However, it can also cause hypocalcemia (low serum calcium levels) as a side effect, which can lead to muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the patient’s serum calcium levels regularly and supplement with calcium and vitamin D if needed.
Choice B. Serum potassium is wrong because etidronate does not affect potassium levels.Potassium is mainly regulated by the kidneys and can be altered by renal impairment, dehydration, acid-base imbalance, or medications such as diuretics or potassium-sparing agents.
Choice C. Serum creatinine is wrong because etidronate does not affect creatinine levels.
Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is excreted by the kidneys.It reflects the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and can be elevated in renal dysfunction or dehydration.
Choice D. Serum albumin is wrong because etidronate does not affect albumin levels.
Albumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver and helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood.It can be decreased in liver disease, malnutrition, inflammation, or protein-losing conditions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A.Blurred vision is a common side effect of gabapentin and should be reported to the doctor.
Blurred vision can affect the patient’s ability to perform daily activities and may indicate a serious problem with the eyes or the brain.
Choice B is wrong because constipation is not a common side effect of gabapentin.
Constipation can be caused by other factors such as diet, dehydration, or lack of physical activity.
Choice C is wrong because dry mouth is a common side effect of gabapentin and does not usually require medical attention.
Dry mouth can be relieved by drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, or using saliva substitutes.
Choice D is wrong because tinnitus is not a common side effect of gabapentin.
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by many conditions such as ear infections, hearing loss, or exposure to loud noises.
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