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?
"A large dose of pain medication is administered with each injection.”.
"You will have control of administering your own pain medication.”.
"Your partner can push the PCA button for you if you are asleep.”.
"The pain medication is delivered into your muscle.”.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. "I will call for pain medication before the previous dose wears off."
Choice A rationale:
This statement indicates a misunderstanding of pain management. Avoiding medication to prevent addiction can lead to uncontrolled pain, which can hinder recovery and increase the risk of complications.
Choice B rationale:
While this statement shows the client is aware of their pain, waiting until it becomes intolerable can result in periods of severe discomfort and potential setbacks in recovery.
Choice C rationale:
Relying on a nurse to evaluate pain before requesting medication can delay pain relief, leading to unnecessary suffering and potential complications.
Choice D rationale:
This statement indicates an understanding of proactive pain management. By requesting medication before the previous dose wears off, the client helps maintain consistent pain control, which is crucial for recovery and preventing pain escalation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increasing pain over several hours is not a typical sign of a fentanyl patch overdose. Fentanyl is a potent opioid, and overdose symptoms often involve respiratory depression, altered mental status, and other serious issues. While it is possible for a patient to experience increased pain if the fentanyl patch is not providing adequate pain relief, this is not a specific sign of overdose.
Choice B rationale:
An itchy red rash on the skin is not a sign of a fentanyl patch overdose but can be associated with skin irritation or allergies to the adhesive in the patch. It's important to differentiate between a skin reaction and an overdose when evaluating patients using fentanyl patches. Overdose symptoms are more severe and life-threatening.
Choice C rationale:
Confusion and the inability to walk normally are characteristic signs of a fentanyl patch overdose. Fentanyl is a potent opioid, and overdose can lead to central nervous system depression, resulting in confusion, altered mental status, and difficulty with coordination and walking. These symptoms are serious and require immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale:
Headache and nausea are not specific signs of a fentanyl patch overdose. While opioid overdose can cause various symptoms, such as respiratory depression and altered mental status, headache and nausea are not among the primary indicators. However, individual responses to medications can vary, and some patients may experience these symptoms as part of a broader set of overdose signs.
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