A nurse is preparing a patient for home care following cancer treatment.

He is discussing the use of the fentanyl patch.

Which of the following would be the most important instruction regarding safety?

Store fentanyl patches in a locked cabinet.

Prepare the skin by cleaning it with an antiseptic scrub solution.

Apply as directed by the primary care provider.

Use as needed for breakthrough pain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice C rationale:
The most crucial instruction regarding the safety of fentanyl patches is to apply them as directed by the primary care provider. Fentanyl is a potent opioid medication, and its misuse or improper application can lead to serious health risks, including overdose. Therefore, following the prescriber's instructions is of utmost importance to ensure the patient's safety.
Choice A rationale:
Storing fentanyl patches in a locked cabinet is a good practice to prevent unauthorized access and to keep them out of reach of children or individuals who should not have access to the medication. However, it is not the most critical safety instruction. Proper application and usage are more important.
Choice B rationale:
While preparing the skin by cleaning with an antiseptic scrub solution is a necessary step when applying a transdermal medication like a fentanyl patch, it is not the most critical safety instruction. It is a standard part of the application process but does not address the overarching safety concerns related to fentanyl use.
Choice D rationale:
Using fentanyl patches as needed for breakthrough pain without clear guidance from a healthcare provider is not a safe practice. Fentanyl is a potent medication with a high risk of overdose, and its use should always be closely monitored and directed by a healthcare professional. Self-adjusting the dosage without medical supervision can lead to serious safety issues.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This statement is not accurate and may confuse the client. In a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) system, a predetermined dose is delivered when the patient activates the device. The dose is usually controlled to prevent excessive medication administration.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is correct. The essence of PCA is that the patient has control over administering their pain medication within set limits or time intervals. The patient can self-administer doses when needed, ensuring effective pain management.

Choice C rationale:

Allowing the partner to push the PCA button for the patient is not recommended. PCA systems are designed to be controlled by the patient themselves to prevent potential overdosing. Involving someone else in the administration can lead to safety concerns.

Choice D rationale:

PCA systems do not deliver medication into the muscle. They typically deliver medication intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously. This statement is inaccurate and could lead to misconceptions about how the PCA system works.

A. will awaken more often during the night but may nap more often during the day. B. should be given hypnotics to induce better sleep. C. needs at least 10 hours of sleep a day to prevent fatigue. D. requires less napping during the day to sleep better at night.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

True. As people age, it is common for them to experience more frequent awakenings during the night. This is often due to changes in sleep patterns, such as a decreased ability to maintain deep sleep, which can result in waking up more easily. Additionally, older adults may nap more during the day, which can affect their nighttime sleep patterns.

Choice B rationale:

False. Giving older adults hypnotics to induce better sleep is not a recommended approach as it may have adverse effects, including dependency and increased risk of falls. The focus should be on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of sleep disturbances in older adults.

Choice C rationale:

False. While it is important to assess and address sleep concerns in older adults, there is no fixed requirement of needing at least 10 hours of sleep a day to prevent fatigue. Sleep needs can vary, and older adults may require less sleep than younger individuals.

Choice D rationale:

False. Older adults may nap more during the day, but reducing daytime napping is not a guaranteed solution to improve nighttime sleep. Sleep patterns can change with age, and individual variations in sleep needs and habits should be considered.

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A nurse is preparing a patient for home care following cancer treatment. He is discussing the use of the fentanyl patch. Which of the following would be the most important instruction regarding safety?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about using a PCA for postoperative pain management.Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A relative complains that an older adult patient takes frequent naps late in the day and awakens frequently during the night and wants to know if this is normal. The nurse explains that an older adult:.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse attempts to help an 86-year-old patient describe his pain because the nurse is aware the older adult may not express pain because they:.

A nurse is collecting data on a client following administration of an opioid narcotic.Which of the following findings indicates a decrease in the client's pain?

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A nurse explains that endorphins are capable of reducing pain:

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The most helpful intervention by the nurse for a hospitalized child who is having difficulty falling asleep would be to:

A patient is beginning treatment for pain with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit.The nurse will initially:.

Going to bed hungry or overly full does not interfere with sleep. It helps the patient reach REM state of sleep faster.

A nurse is preparing a patient for home care following cancer treatment.

He is discussing the use of the fentanyl patch.

Which of the following would be the most important instruction regarding safety?