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.

Answer and Explanation

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. .

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Offering an ice pack to place on the neck would not be an appropriate response in this situation. The patient has already complained that the ice massage is making the pain worse, so providing additional cold application may exacerbate their discomfort.

Choice B rationale:

The most helpful response in this scenario is to acknowledge the patient's discomfort and stop the cold application. Not everyone responds positively to cold therapy, and it's essential to respect the patient's feedback and provide alternative methods for pain relief.

Choice C rationale:

Alternating hot and cold applications may be helpful for some patients, but in this case, the patient has already expressed that the ice massage is exacerbating their pain. Suggesting this approach without addressing the patient's immediate concern is not appropriate.

Choice D rationale:

While it's true that the discomfort from the ice massage may subside in a few minutes, it's important to prioritize the patient's comfort and address their pain immediately. Continuing an intervention that is causing increased pain is not in the patient's best interest.

A. Store fentanyl patches in a locked cabinet. B. Prepare the skin by cleaning it with an antiseptic scrub solution. C. Apply as directed by the primary care provider. D. Use as needed for breakthrough pain.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice C rationale:
The most crucial instruction regarding the safety of fentanyl patches is to apply them as directed by the primary care provider. Fentanyl is a potent opioid medication, and its misuse or improper application can lead to serious health risks, including overdose. Therefore, following the prescriber's instructions is of utmost importance to ensure the patient's safety.
Choice A rationale:
Storing fentanyl patches in a locked cabinet is a good practice to prevent unauthorized access and to keep them out of reach of children or individuals who should not have access to the medication. However, it is not the most critical safety instruction. Proper application and usage are more important.
Choice B rationale:
While preparing the skin by cleaning with an antiseptic scrub solution is a necessary step when applying a transdermal medication like a fentanyl patch, it is not the most critical safety instruction. It is a standard part of the application process but does not address the overarching safety concerns related to fentanyl use.
Choice D rationale:
Using fentanyl patches as needed for breakthrough pain without clear guidance from a healthcare provider is not a safe practice. Fentanyl is a potent medication with a high risk of overdose, and its use should always be closely monitored and directed by a healthcare professional. Self-adjusting the dosage without medical supervision can lead to serious safety issues.

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A patient is beginning treatment for pain with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit.The nurse will initially:.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A patient is beginning treatment for pain with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit.
The nurse will initially:.