A nurse is evaluating a patient's response to pain medication after surgery. The patient reports that his pain level is 8 out of 10 on a numeric rating scale, despite receiving morphine 10 mg intravenously 30 minutes ago. What should the nurse do first?
Assess the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation.
Notify the physician and request a different medication.
Reassess the patient's pain level in another 15 minutes.
Provide nonpharmacological interventions such as massage or distraction.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Assessing the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation is the first step in evaluating the patient's response to pain medication. This is because vital signs and oxygen saturation can indicate the severity of pain, the effectiveness of the medication, and the presence of any adverse effects such as respiratory depression or hypotension. Assessing vital signs and oxygen saturation is also consistent with the nursing process of assessment, which guides the nurse's subsequent actions.
Choice B reason:
Notifying the physician and requesting a different medication is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition and determine the cause of inadequate pain relief. The physician may not be available or may not agree to change the medication without further information. Changing the medication may also not be necessary or appropriate, depending on the patient's pain level, type of pain, allergies, contraindications, and preferences.
Choice C reason:
Reassessing the patient's pain level in another 15 minutes is not the first action that the nurse should take. The patient is reporting a high level of pain (8 out of 10) despite receiving morphine 10 mg intravenously 30 minutes ago. This indicates that the patient is experiencing breakthrough pain, which is a sudden increase in pain intensity that occurs despite adequate analgesia. Breakthrough pain requires immediate attention and intervention, not delayed reassessment.
Choice D reason:
Providing nonpharmacological interventions such as massage or distraction is not the first action that the nurse should take. Nonpharmacological interventions are complementary methods that can enhance the effect of pharmacological interventions, but they are not sufficient to treat severe acute pain by themselves. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition and administer additional analgesia if indicated and prescribed before implementing nonpharmacological interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The client's readiness and motivation to change are crucial factors for the success of CBT, as it requires active participation and homework assignments from the client. CBT is based on the premise that changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors can improve emotional well-being. Therefore, the client needs to be willing and able to engage in this process and apply the learned skills to their daily life.
Choice B reason:
The availability and accessibility of CBT services are also important factors for the success of CBT, as they determine how often and how easily the client can receive the therapy. CBT is typically delivered in a time-limited and structured manner, with sessions ranging from 8 to 20 weeks. The client needs to have regular access to a qualified CBT therapist who can provide consistent and evidence-based treatment.
Choice C reason:
The cost and duration of CBT sessions are not relevant factors for the success of CBT, as they do not directly affect the quality or effectiveness of the therapy. CBT is generally considered to be a cost-effective and efficient intervention for anxiety disorders, as it can produce lasting benefits in a relatively short period of time. The cost and duration of CBT sessions may affect the client's preference or adherence to the therapy, but they are not essential for its outcome.
Choice D reason:
The compatibility and rapport between the client and therapist are vital factors for the success of CBT, as they influence the therapeutic alliance and the client's trust in the therapist. CBT is a collaborative and goal-oriented therapy that requires a strong working relationship between the client and therapist. The client needs to feel comfortable and supported by the therapist, who can provide empathy, feedback, guidance, and encouragement.
Choice E reason:
The evidence base and efficacy of CBT for anxiety disorders are significant factors for the success of CBT, as they demonstrate the validity and reliability of the therapy. CBT is one of the most researched and empirically supported psychological interventions for anxiety disorders, with numerous studies showing its superiority over other treatments or placebo. The client can benefit from knowing that CBT is based on sound scientific principles and proven techniques.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Asking the client when they first noticed the symptoms is a relevant and appropriate question for a problem-focused assessment. It helps the nurse to determine the onset, duration, and frequency of the nausea and vomiting, which can provide clues to the possible causes and severity of the problem.
Choice B reason:
Asking the client about allergies or food intolerances is not directly related to the problem of nausea and vomiting. It might be useful to ask this question later in the assessment, but it is not the priority at this point. This question is more suitable for a comprehensive or initial assessment.
Choice C reason:
Asking the client to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10 is not relevant to the problem of nausea and vomiting. Pain is a different symptom that might or might not be associated with nausea and vomiting. This question is more suitable for a pain assessment.
Choice D reason:
Asking the client about their health goals is not related to the problem of nausea and vomiting. This question is more suitable for a wellness assessment or a health promotion intervention.
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