A patient who is receiving sustained-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin) every 12 hours for chronic pain experiences level 9 (0 to 10 scale) breakthrough pain and anxiety. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for treating this change in assessment?

Administer lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg orally.

Offer immediate-release morphine 30 mg orally.

Suggest the patient take amitriptyline 10 mg orally.

Give Ibuprofen 400 to 800 mg orally.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. Immediate-release morphine provides rapid pain relief and can effectively address breakthrough pain. The dose of 30 mg is reasonable given the severity of the pain.

A. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. While it may help with anxiety, it does not directly address the severe breakthrough pain experienced by the patient.

C. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat neuropathic pain and depression. While it may help with chronic pain management, it is not appropriate for providing rapid relief for breakthrough pain or acute anxiety.

D. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for mild to moderate pain relief and inflammation. However, it is not typically used for severe breakthrough pain, especially in a patient already receiving opioid therapy.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a significant concern following knee replacement surgery due to the increased risk of blood clot formation associated with immobility and surgery. Limited mobility can predispose the patient to stasis of blood flow, which increases the risk of VTE.

B. While fluid and electrolyte imbalance can occur postoperatively, especially if the patient experiences complications such as excessive bleeding or fluid shifts, limited mobility alone is less likely to directly lead to this complication as a priority.

C. Limited mobility can potentially impact surgical wound healing by delaying the resolution of edema, impairing circulation, and increasing the risk of infection. However, this complication may not be as immediate or life-threatening as others on the list.

D. Hypovolemic shock, characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion due to decreased circulating blood volume, is a severe complication that can result from significant blood loss. While bleeding can occur postoperatively, it is less common as a complication of knee replacement surgery, especially within the first few days.

A. The patient reports abdominal pain when ambulating. B. The patient has fluid intake 600 mL greater than the output. C. The patient's calf is swollen and warm to touch. D. The patient's temperature is 100.3° F (37.9° C).

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. The patient's calf being swollen and warm to touch is concerning for a possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot formation in the deep veins of the leg. DVT is a serious complication post-surgery that requires immediate attention to prevent the clot from dislodging and causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening.

A. Abdominal pain after a total abdominal hysterectomy is common and can be expected due to the surgical incision and manipulation of abdominal tissues.

B. Fluid balance is important postoperatively to prevent complications like dehydration or fluid overload. A significant imbalance, with intake substantially greater than output, could indicate issues which may require intervention. However, this is not as urgent as a client with likely DVT.

D. A slight increase in temperature is common in the immediate postoperative period due to the body's response to tissue injury. While it could indicate infection, it's not necessarily alarming on its own.

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A patient who is receiving sustained-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin) every 12 hours for chronic pain experiences level 9 (0 to 10 scale) breakthrough pain and anxiety. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for treating this change in assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older patient who had knee replacement surgery 2 days ago can only tolerate being out of bed with physical therapy twice a day. Which potential complication should the nurse identify as a priority for this patient?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse assesses a patient who had a total abdominal hysterectomy 2 days ago. Which information about the patient is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who reports shoulder pain. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates rotator cuff injury?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a fractured right femur and is in balanced suspension traction. The client is reporting pain from muscle spasms. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and in skeletal traction. When assessing the client, the nurse should expect which of the following findings? (Select all that apply.)

The health care provider orders a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine to provide pain relief for a patient with acute surgical pain who has never received opioids before. Which nursing actions regarding opioid administration are appropriate at this time? (Select all that apply.)