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
Choice A:
An absent dorsal pedal pulse would indicate a vascular problem such as arterial occlusion, not a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In the case of DVT, blood flow in the veins is obstructed, but the arterial pulse, which is related to arterial circulation, should remain intact unless there is a separate arterial issue. Therefore, absent pulses are not characteristic of DVT.
Choice B:
Shiny, hairless skin is a sign typically associated with chronic arterial insufficiency, not DVT. This skin change occurs when there is poor arterial blood flow, which leads to a lack of nourishment for the skin, causing it to become thin and shiny. In contrast, DVT affects the veins and does not usually cause these skin changes in the acute phase.
Choice C:
Irregular, bulging veins are indicative of varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, not a DVT. Varicose veins occur when the veins become swollen and twisted due to weak or damaged valves. DVT, on the other hand, involves the formation of a clot in the deep veins and does not typically cause the veins to bulge visibly, especially in the early stages.
Choice D:
Dull, aching pain is a common symptom associated with deep vein thrombosis. This pain typically occurs in the affected extremity and is often described as a constant, aching sensation. The pain can worsen with movement or standing and is due to the inflammation and obstruction caused by the blood clot in the deep veins. This is a hallmark sign of DVT, along with swelling and redness in the affected limb.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should inform the client that they can use an adhesive remover when changing the colostomy skin barrier. Adhesive removers are helpful in gently removing the adhesive residue left behind by the previous ostomy appliance. This can make the process of changing the colostomy skin barrier more comfortable for the client and help prevent skin irritation or damage.
Explanation for the other options:
a. "You should scrub the skin around the colostomy when cleaning." Scrubbing the skin around the colostomy can be harsh and may cause skin irritation or damage. It is recommended to clean the peristomal skin gently using mild soap and water, followed by thorough drying.
c. "You will need a device to suction stool from the colostomy bag." Suctioning stool from the colostomy bag is not a routine procedure for colostomy care. Colostomy bags are designed to collect stool, and emptying the bag as needed is the appropriate method of management.
d. "You should empty the colostomy bag when it is three-fourths full." The timing of emptying the colostomy bag may vary for each individual. It is generally recommended to empty the colostomy bag when it is one-third to one-half full to prevent leakage or discomfort. The client should be educated on monitoring the bag and emptying it as necessary based on their own output and comfort level.
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