A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving epidural analgesia with buprenorphine (Buprenex). Which assessment finding would indicate that an adverse effect may be occurring?
Respiratory rate: 10 breaths/min
Blood pressure: 110/70 mm Hg
Heart rate: 72 beats/min
Temperature: 37°C.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A) Respiratory rate: 10 breaths/min. This indicates that the patient may be experiencing respiratory depression, which is a serious adverse effect of buprenorphine and other opioids.
Respiratory depression can lead to hypoxia, brain damage, or death if not treated promptly.
The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths/min.
Choice B) Blood pressure: 110/70 mm Hg is wrong because this is within the normal range for adults, which is 90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg. Buprenorphine can cause hypotension as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.
Choice C) Heart rate: 72 beats/min is wrong because this is also within the normal range for adults, which is 60 to 100 beats/min. Buprenorphine can cause bradycardia as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.
Choice D) Temperature: 37°C is wrong because this is the normal body temperature for humans. Buprenorphine can cause hyperthermia as a side effect, but this is not evident in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Intensity.Intensity is one of the key components of pain assessmentand it is measured by asking a client to rate his or her current level of discomfort on a scale of 0-10.
This helps to quantify the severity of pain and monitor its changes over time.
Choice B. Quality is wrong because quality refers to the nature or characteristics of pain, such as burning, stabbing, throbbing, etc.It is usually assessed by asking the client to describe the pain in his or her own words.
Choice C.Onset is wrong because onset refers to the time when the pain started or what triggered it.It is usually assessed by asking the client about the mechanism of injury or etiology of pain, if identifiable.
Choice D.Duration is wrong because duration refers to how long the pain lasts or how often it occurs.It is usually assessed by asking the client about the course or temporal pattern of pain, such as constant, intermittent, or episodic.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Assess the patient’s leg for circulation, sensation, and movement.
This is because the patient’s symptoms of pain, tingling, and numbness in his left leg could indicate a potential complication of impaired blood flow or nerve damage after surgery.The nurse should prioritize assessing the patient’s leg for any signs of compromised circulation, sensation, or movement before administering any pain medication.
Choice A is wrong because administering morphine sulfate 2 mg IV bolus without assessing the patient’s leg could mask the symptoms of a serious problem and delay appropriate interventions.Morphine sulfate is a potent opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression, sedation, and constipation.
Choice B is wrong because administering ibuprofen 400 mg PO without assessing the patient’s leg could also mask the symptoms of a serious problem and delay appropriate interventions.Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Choice D is wrong because reassessing the patient’s pain in 15 minutes without assessing the patient’s leg could result in the worsening of the patient’s condition and increased risk of complications.The nurse should not delay assessing the patient’s leg for any signs of impaired circulation, sensation, or movement.
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.