A nurse is preparing to administer pain medication to a postoperative client who had a total knee replacement and reports pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following PRN medications should the nurse plan to administer?
Morphine 2 mg IV
Amitriptyline 25 mg PO
Ketorolac 15 mg IV
Acetaminophen 650 mg PO
The Correct Answer is C
A) Morphine 2 mg IV: Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain. However, in this scenario, the client reports pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10, which indicates moderate pain. Morphine 2 mg IV may be excessive for this level of pain and could result in unnecessary sedation, respiratory depression, or other opioid-related adverse effects. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate choice for managing the client's pain.
B) Amitriptyline 25 mg PO: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with analgesic properties, but it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for acute postoperative pain. Additionally, it is administered orally and may not provide rapid pain relief in the immediate postoperative period. Therefore, it is not the most suitable option for managing the client's pain after a total knee replacement surgery.
C) Ketorolac 15 mg IV: Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly used for the management of moderate to severe pain, including postoperative pain. In this scenario, the client reports moderate pain after total knee replacement surgery, making ketorolac an appropriate choice for pain management. Administering ketorolac 15 mg IV can provide effective pain relief without the sedative effects of opioids, making it the most suitable PRN medication for the client's pain level.
D) Acetaminophen 650 mg PO: Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic commonly used for mild to moderate pain relief. While acetaminophen is generally safe and effective, it may not provide sufficient pain relief for a client who reports pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10 after total knee replacement surgery. Additionally, oral administration may result in delayed onset of action compared to IV medications. Therefore, acetaminophen 650 mg PO may not be the most optimal choice for managing the client's pain in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Blood pressure: While monitoring blood pressure is important, assessing breath sounds takes priority after administering naloxone. Opioid toxicity can lead to respiratory depression, so ensuring adequate ventilation is crucial. Assessing breath sounds helps determine if the client's airway is clear and if ventilation has improved after naloxone administration.
B) Pain level: Pain assessment is important, but it is not the priority after administering naloxone for opioid toxicity. Respiratory status takes precedence due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid overdose.
C) Breath sounds: This is the correct intervention. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression. Assessing breath sounds allows the nurse to evaluate the client's respiratory status and determine the effectiveness of naloxone in improving ventilation.
D) Heart rate: Monitoring heart rate is important, but it is not the priority immediately after administering naloxone. Respiratory assessment takes precedence due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid overdose.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Document the administration of the medication: Documentation of medication administration is an essential step in the medication administration process, ensuring accurate recording of the time, dose, route, and client's response to the medication. However, before administering a controlled substance, the nurse should first identify the client using two identifiers to prevent medication errors.
B) Identify the client using two identifiers: This is the correct initial action. Verifying the client's identity using two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, is a crucial safety measure to ensure that the medication is administered to the correct individual. By confirming the client's identity, the nurse helps prevent medication errors and promotes patient safety.
C) Remove the medication from the medication dispensing cabinet: While obtaining the medication from the medication dispensing cabinet is necessary for administration, it should occur after confirming the client's identity. Identifying the client using two identifiers is the priority to ensure accurate medication administration.
D) Compare the amount of medication available to the inventory record: Verifying the amount of medication available against the inventory record is an important step in medication management to maintain adequate stock levels and prevent medication shortages. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take before administering a controlled substance. Confirming the client's identity is the priority to ensure safe medication administration.
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