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 C
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
Keeping a night light on in the room is the most helpful intervention for a child having difficulty falling asleep. Night lights provide a comforting and soothing environment, reducing the fear of the dark and making the child feel secure. It also helps prevent complete darkness, which can be particularly helpful for children who may be afraid of the dark. This intervention promotes a positive sleep environment and can facilitate the child's ability to fall asleep.
Choice A rationale:
Giving juice and cookies before bedtime is not an appropriate intervention to help a child fall asleep. In fact, providing sugary snacks before bedtime can lead to increased activity and may make it even more challenging for the child to sleep.
Choice B rationale:
Having the parents bring a favorite blanket or pillow from home is a nice gesture and can provide comfort to the child, but it may not directly address the issue of falling asleep. While it can be part of creating a familiar and comforting sleep environment, it may not be sufficient on its own to help the child fall asleep.
Choice D rationale:
Turning off all the lights in the room may not be the best approach, as complete darkness can be frightening for some children. It's important to strike a balance between creating a soothing sleep environment and avoiding overwhelming darkness, which is why keeping a night light on is often a better option.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Asking the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0-10 is a good initial response to assess the severity of pain. However, it should be followed by a more comprehensive assessment, which may include addressing the patient's concern about pain in the removed limb and providing appropriate interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the patient that it is not possible to experience pain because the limb and nerves were removed is inaccurate and insensitive. This response does not address the patient's reported pain and may be perceived as dismissive.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the patient that they are not experiencing pain is both inaccurate and dismissive of the patient's reported pain. This response does not demonstrate empathy or a patient-centered approach to care.
Choice D rationale:
"I understand you are in pain, please rate your pain on a scale of 0-10, and I will get a mirror to assess the area" is the best response. This response acknowledges the patient's pain, uses a pain assessment scale to quantify the pain, and offers a solution to assess the area with a mirror. It demonstrates empathy and a proactive approach to addressing the patient's concern. .
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