A nurse is preparing to administer nitroglycerin topical ointment to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Measure the dosage of medication using the applicator paper.
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin.
Cover the medication on the client's skin with a sterile gauze pad.
Apply the medication to the same site for three consecutive days.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Using the applicator paper is appropriate for measuring the dosage accurately, but simply measuring the dosage is not the only step; the medication needs to be spread over the specified area of the skin.
Choice B Reason:
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin. Nitroglycerin ointment is typically measured using a specific paper or measuring tape provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing. The ointment is spread thinly and evenly over a specific measured area of the skin, usually about 12.7 cm (5 inches) in length, to maintain consistent dosing.
Choice C Reason:
Covering the medication with a sterile gauze pad is not typically done with nitroglycerin ointment. The ointment is meant to be absorbed through the skin, and covering it may interfere with its absorption.
Choice D Reason:
Nitroglycerin ointment is often applied to different sites to prevent skin irritation and tolerance from developing at one site. It's usually rotated to different clean areas of the skin to prevent skin irritation and tolerance buildup. Applying it to the same site for three consecutive days is not standard practice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Increase in serum glucose is incorrect. Desmopressin, which is a synthetic form of vasopressin, primarily affects water reabsorption in the kidneys and doesn't directly impact glucose levels. Therefore, an increase in serum glucose wouldn't be an expected therapeutic response to desmopressin for diabetes insipidus.
Choice B Reason:
Decrease in blood pressure is incorrect. Desmopressin is primarily used for its antidiuretic effect, concentrating urine by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. It typically doesn't have a significant impact on blood pressure. Therefore, a decrease in blood pressure wouldn't typically be an anticipated therapeutic response to desmopressin in this context.
Choice C Reason:
Decrease in urine output is correct. Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) used to treat diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive urination and extreme thirst due to the inability to concentrate urine. The primary goal of desmopressin is to reduce urine output by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby decreasing excessive urination. Therefore, a decrease in urine output would indicate a therapeutic response to the medication in this context.
Choice D Reason:
Increase in WBC count is incorrect. Desmopressin's action is centered on affecting kidney function by regulating water reabsorption and does not involve changes in white blood cell count. Consequently, an increase in WBC count wouldn't be an expected therapeutic response to desmopressin for diabetes insipidus.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Meloxicam is incorrect. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used primarily for managing mild to moderate pain and inflammation. While it can provide relief for mild pain, it may not be potent enough to effectively manage severe pain, especially in cases of advanced cancer-related pain, where stronger analgesics are often necessary.
Choice B Reason:
Aspirin is incorrect. Aspirin, like meloxicam, is an NSAID used for mild to moderate pain relief and has anti-inflammatory properties. While it can be effective for certain types of pain, it's generally not the first choice for severe pain management, particularly in cases of advanced cancer-related pain where stronger opioids are typically required for adequate relief.
Choice C Reason:
Hydromorphone is correct. Hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic used to manage severe pain, especially in cancer-related pain or post-operative settings. In cases of severe pain, opioids like hydromorphone are commonly utilized due to their effectiveness in providing relief.
Choice D Reason:
Caldofor is incorrect. The term "Caldofor" does not appear to correspond to any recognized medication commonly used for pain relief. It's possible that this might be a misspelling or an unfamiliar or less common drug name. Without a specific drug identification, it's challenging to assess its suitability or effectiveness for managing severe pain associated with pancreatic cancer.
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