A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative and receiving fentanyl via patient-controlled analgesia. The patient has a prescription for naloxone.
What is the purpose of naloxone?

Choice A rationale:

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the colon (large intestine) to divert stool through the abdomen. While a colostomy can affect bowel function, it does not directly increase the risk of aspiration. This is because the colon is located further down the digestive tract and does not directly involve the airway.

Choice B rationale:

An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the ileum (small intestine) to divert stool through the abdomen. Similar to a colostomy, an ileostomy does not directly increase the risk of aspiration because the ileum is also located further down the digestive tract and does not involve the airway.

Choice C rationale:

Enteral feedings, also known as tube feedings, involve delivering nutrients directly into the stomach or small intestine through a tube. Patients receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube are at a significantly higher risk of aspiration for several reasons:

Impaired swallowing mechanisms: Many patients who require enteral feedings have impaired swallowing mechanisms, which can increase the risk of food or liquid entering the airway instead of the esophagus.

Tube placement: The NG tube itself can potentially irritate the esophagus or interfere with the normal closure of the upper esophageal sphincter, which can increase the risk of reflux and aspiration.

Feeding formula: Enteral feeding formulas are often thin and liquid-like, which can make them easier to aspirate than thicker liquids or solid foods.

Positioning: Patients receiving enteral feedings are often in a reclined position, which can make it easier for fluids to travel back up the esophagus and into the airway.

Choice D rationale:

A chest tube is a drainage tube inserted into the chest cavity to remove air or fluid. While a chest tube can affect respiratory function, it does not directly increase the risk of aspiration. This is because the chest tube drains fluid from the pleural space, which surrounds the lungs, and does not directly involve the airway or digestive tract.

Choice A rationale:

This response is dismissive of the patient's pain and does not offer any assistance. It also does not acknowledge the patient's concerns about their pain being a normal part of aging.

It's important to validate the patient's experience and offer support, even if the pain level is not severe.

This response could lead to the patient feeling unheard and unsupported, and it could potentially delay necessary treatment.

Choice B rationale:

This response suggests that the patient's pain is not significant enough to warrant treatment unless it worsens. This is not appropriate, as pain is subjective and should be treated based on the patient's individual experience.

Additionally, this response reinforces the patient's belief that pain is a normal part of aging, which may prevent them from seeking treatment in the future.

Choice C rationale:

This response is the best option because it acknowledges the patient's pain, expresses concern, and suggests further investigation.

It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the pain.

This response also demonstrates to the patient that the nurse is taking their pain seriously and is committed to helping them manage it.

Choice D rationale:

This response acknowledges that pain can be a part of aging, but it also suggests that there may be a specific cause for the patient's pain.

This could lead to the patient feeling anxious or worried about their health.

It is important to investigate the cause of the pain before making any assumptions.