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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed complex. Obstructive apnea is the most common type. It is caused by the relaxation of the soft tissues, which allows partial to total obstruction of the airway. (True or False) = The correct answer is True.
Choice A rationale:
True. Obstructive sleep apnea is indeed the most common type. It occurs when the soft tissues in the throat and the muscles of the upper airway relax too much during sleep, leading to a partial or complete blockage of the airway. This obstruction results in the characteristic pauses in breathing that are a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea.
Choice B rationale:
False. Obstructive sleep apnea is not caused by the need for hypnotics or sleep-inducing medications. It is a physiological condition related to airway obstruction during sleep and not a result of poor sleep hygiene or a lack of medication.
Choice C rationale:
False. While it's true that older adults may have changes in their sleep patterns, this doesn't mean they require 10 hours of sleep a day to prevent fatigue. Sleep needs can vary among individuals, and older adults often experience more fragmented sleep and may nap during the day, but the requirement for 10 hours of sleep a day is not a general rule.
Choice D rationale:
False. Older adults may nap more during the day due to changes in their sleep patterns, but it doesn't necessarily mean they need to nap less to sleep better at night. The sleep-wake cycle of older adults may be different from younger individuals, and it's not always necessary for them to reduce daytime napping to improve nighttime sleep.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
False. Pain should not be assessed only for patients who complain of pain. Pain assessment should be a routine part of patient care, as not all patients may be able to verbalize their pain or may underreport it. Identifying and addressing pain is crucial for patient well-being.
Choice B rationale:
False. Pain treatment does not necessarily end at discharge. The management of pain may continue beyond the hospital setting, and a plan for pain management post-discharge may be needed. This ensures that patients receive appropriate pain relief and support during their recovery.
Choice C rationale:
True. According to the Joint Commission's standards, all patients have the right to appropriate assessment of pain. This means that every patient, regardless of their condition or the presence of pain complaints, should have their pain assessed and managed as necessary.
Choice D rationale:
False. Pain treatment is not solely based on objective data collected by the nurse. Pain is a subjective experience, and it is essential to consider the patient's self-report of pain, in addition to any objective data, when determining the appropriate treatment. Objective data can help, but it should not be the sole basis for pain management.
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