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","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, B, C, and D.Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects.It works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation, pain, and fever.However, ibuprofen can also cause adverse effects such as gastric irritation, bleeding complications, renal impairment, and hypersensitivity reactions.
Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to:
• Take ibuprofen with food or milk to prevent gastric irritation.This will reduce the direct contact of the drug with the stomach lining and decrease the risk of ulcers and bleeding.
• Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day to prevent renal impairment.This will help maintain adequate hydration and renal perfusion and prevent the accumulation of ibuprofen in the kidneys.
• Avoid alcohol and other NSAIDs to prevent bleeding complications.Alcohol and other NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastric bleeding by interfering with the protective effects of prostaglandins on the stomach mucosa.
• Report any signs of hypersensitivity such as rash, itching, or wheezing.These may indicate an allergic reaction to ibuprofen that can be serious or life-threatening.
Choice E is wrong because ibuprofen does not affect blood pressure significantly.However, some other NSAIDs such as celecoxib may increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke.Therefore, clients with hypertension or cardiovascular disease should use NSAIDs with caution and monitor their blood pressure regularly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.The client should take this medicationregularlyas prescribed to maintain a steady level of analgesia and prevent breakthrough pain.
Taking the medication only when the pain is severe can lead to inadequate pain relief and increased side effects.
Choice A is wrong because drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation, which is a common adverse effect of opioids.
Choice B is wrong because avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery is a safety precaution for clients taking opioids, as they can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment.
Choice D is wrong because reporting any signs of allergic reaction is an important instruction for clients taking any medication, especially opioids, which can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions.
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