A nurse is collecting data from a client who received IV morphine for postoperative pain. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
The client's blood pressure has been reduced.
The client exhibits diaphoresis
The client is not grimacing
The client has an elevated heart rate
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: (C) The client is not grimacing
Rationale:
A) The client's blood pressure has been reduced:
While morphine can lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects, a reduction in blood pressure is not necessarily a primary indicator of a therapeutic response to pain relief. It is more important to assess pain relief directly through the client's subjective experience and behavior rather than focusing on vital signs alone.
B) The client exhibits diaphoresis:
Diaphoresis, or sweating, can occur as a side effect of morphine administration but does not indicate that the medication is effectively relieving pain. In fact, diaphoresis might signal an adverse reaction or discomfort rather than a therapeutic effect.
C) The client is not grimacing:
The absence of grimacing suggests that the client's pain has decreased, which is a direct indicator of a therapeutic response to morphine. Observing a reduction in pain-related behaviors, such as grimacing, is a key assessment for determining the effectiveness of pain management in postoperative clients.
D) The client has an elevated heart rate:
An elevated heart rate may be a sign of unresolved pain or a side effect of morphine but is not a clear indicator of pain relief. Effective pain management with morphine typically results in a decrease in sympathetic nervous system responses, such as a high heart rate, rather than an increase.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
As individuals age, there is a natural decline in kidney function. This can result in a reduced ability to filter and excrete medications and their metabolites from the body. The decreased kidney function can lead to a longer half-life of medications, increased drug accumulation, and an increased risk of adverse drug reactions. It is important for the nurse to adjust medication dosages and frequencies based on the individual's renal function to prevent drug toxicity.
Increased liver function: Aging is associated with a gradual decline in liver function. While there may be some individual variations, in general, liver function decreases rather than increases with age. However, changes in liver function can affect the metabolism and elimination of medications. Some medications may require dosage adjustments based on liver function, but it is not a common physiological change in older adults.
Increased metabolism: Aging is generally associated with a decrease in metabolism rather than an increase. The metabolic rate tends to slow down with age, which can affect the pharmacokinetics of medications. Slower metabolism can result in medications taking longer to be metabolized and cleared from the body, potentially leading to prolonged drug effects.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct technique for using an albuterol MDI involves closing the mouth around the mouthpiece to create a seal. This helps ensure that the medication is delivered directly into the lungs and maximizes its effectiveness. It also helps prevent the medication from escaping and being wasted.
"Exhale immediately after inhaling": This instruction is not accurate. After closing the mouth around the mouthpiece and activating the inhaler to release the medication, the client should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouth, holding their breath for about 10 seconds if possible. Exhaling immediately after inhaling would not allow enough time for the medication to be absorbed effectively.
"Tilt your head forward while inhaling": Tilted head position is not necessary when using an albuterol MDI. The client should hold the inhaler in an upright position, with the mouthpiece directed toward their mouth. This allows for proper delivery of the medication.
"Take three quick breaths while depressing the canister": This instruction is not accurate for using an albuterol MDI. The correct technique involves taking a slow and deep breath in through the mouth, while simultaneously depressing the canister to release the medication. Taking three quick breaths may not allow enough time for adequate medication delivery.
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