A patient has fallen and injured her knee.
It is not fractured, but there is considerable swelling and pain.
She asks which over-the-counter analgesic would be best to take for her discomfort.
The nurse tells her that one with NSAID properties would be best.
Which would it be best to take?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Placing electrodes on all four extremities is not the initial step in using a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) unit. It may not be necessary for the specific pain management needs of the patient and can be uncomfortable or impractical.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct initial step when starting TENS treatment. The nurse should adjust the settings to a level below the threshold at which the patient feels a tingling sensation. This ensures that the treatment is comfortable and safe for the patient. The goal is to provide pain relief, not to induce discomfort.

Choice C rationale:

Turning the unit on before attaching it to the patient is not advisable. It's essential to connect the electrodes to the patient first and then turn on the TENS unit. This sequence helps prevent accidental electrical stimulation before the device is properly set up.

Choice D rationale:

Applying conductive jelly to uncoated electrodes is a step in preparing the electrodes for use, but it should be done after attaching the electrodes to the patient's skin. This choice does not address the initial step in TENS treatment, which is setting the stimulation level. .