A patient who has chronic low back pain is prescribed oxycodone (OxyContin) for long-term use.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent complications from this medication? (Select all that apply.)
Monitor the patient’s vital signs regularly.
Encourage fluid intake and high-fiber foods.
Advise the patient to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
Instruct the patient to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for breakthrough pain.
Teach the patient how to use a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.
Correct Answer : B,C
The correct answer is choice B and C. Oxycodone (OxyContin) is a potent opioid analgesic that can cause constipation, drowsiness, nausea, pruritus, and vomiting as common side effects.
To prevent constipation, the patient should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods. To prevent respiratory depression and sedation, the patient should be advised to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking oxycodone.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring vital signs regularly is not specific to oxycodone use, but rather a general nursing intervention for any patient with chronic pain.
Choice D is wrong because acetaminophen (Tylenol) can interact with oxycodone and increase the risk of liver damage.
The patient should not take any other pain medications without consulting the prescriber.
Choice E is wrong because a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump is not used for long-term pain management, but rather for acute or postoperative pain. Oxycodone (OxyContin) is formulated as an extended-release tablet that provides sustained pain relief for up to 12 hours.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, B, C and E.Aspirin is a medication that can prevent cardiovascular events by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing inflammation.
However, aspirin also has some side effects that the patient should be aware of and report to the doctor if they occur.
Choice A is correct because taking aspirin with food or milk can reduce the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers that aspirin can cause.
Choice B is correct because aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising due to its antiplatelet effect.The patient should monitor for signs of bleeding such as black, tarry stools, bloody or cloudy urine, vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, and unusual bleeding or bruising.
Choice C is correct because taking other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) concurrently with aspirin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and others.
Choice D is wrong because tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a sign of aspirin toxicity and should not be ignored.The patient should stop taking aspirin and seek medical attention if they experience tinnitus, confusion, hallucinations, rapid breathing, or seizures.
Choice E is correct because enteric-coated tablets can reduce the gastric irritation caused by aspirin by delaying its release until it reaches the small intestine.However, enteric-coated tablets may not be as effective as regular tablets in preventing cardiovascular events.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Serum calcium.Etidronate is a bisphosphonate that inhibits bone resorption and reduces the risk of skeletal complications in patients with cancer-related bone pain.However, it can also cause hypocalcemia (low serum calcium levels) as a side effect, which can lead to muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the patient’s serum calcium levels regularly and supplement with calcium and vitamin D if needed.
Choice B. Serum potassium is wrong because etidronate does not affect potassium levels.Potassium is mainly regulated by the kidneys and can be altered by renal impairment, dehydration, acid-base imbalance, or medications such as diuretics or potassium-sparing agents.
Choice C. Serum creatinine is wrong because etidronate does not affect creatinine levels.
Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is excreted by the kidneys.It reflects the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and can be elevated in renal dysfunction or dehydration.
Choice D. Serum albumin is wrong because etidronate does not affect albumin levels.
Albumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver and helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood.It can be decreased in liver disease, malnutrition, inflammation, or protein-losing conditions.
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