A patient is beginning treatment for pain with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit.
The nurse will initially:.
place electrodes on all four extremities.
adjust the settings below the level at which a tingling sensation is felt.
turn the unit on before attaching it to the patient.
apply conductive jelly to uncoated electrodes.
The Correct Answer is B
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. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. "Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?"
Choice A rationale:
"Your husband should decide when more medication is needed.” This response is incorrect because it implies that the partner has the authority to decide when the client needs pain medication, which violates the purpose of a PCA pump. A PCA pump is specifically designed for client-controlled pain management, ensuring that the patient, not anyone else, controls when they receive pain medication. Allowing someone else to press the button can lead to overmedication and safety risks.
Choice B rationale:
"Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?" This response is correct because it prompts the partner to reflect on their actions and provides an opportunity for the nurse to educate about the proper use of PCA pumps. It addresses the immediate issue without being confrontational and opens the door for further discussion on the importance of client safety and correct PCA use.
Choice C rationale:
"It's a good idea to help make sure your husband can sleep comfortably.” This response is incorrect as it endorses inappropriate and unsafe behavior. It encourages the partner to continue pressing the PCA button, risking the client's safety due to potential overmedication, which can lead to severe complications, such as respiratory depression.
Choice D rationale:
"Next time you think he needs more medication, call me and I'll push the button.” This response is incorrect because it contradicts PCA protocols and removes the control from the client. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client’s pain and safety, not administering medication upon another person’s request. This approach also increases the risk of dosing errors and undermines the purpose of patient-controlled analgesia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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