A patient with a deep partial thickness burn has been receiving hydromorphone through patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for 1 week. The nurse caring for the patient during the previous shift reports that the patient wakes up frequently during the night reporting pain. What action by the nurse is appropriate?

Teach the patient to push the button every 10 minutes for an hour before going to sleep, even if the pain is minimal.

Request that the health care provider order a bolus dose of morphine to be given when the patient awakens with pain.

Consult with the health care provider about using a different treatment protocol to control the patient's pain.

Administer a dose of morphine every 1 to 2 hours from the PCA machine while the patient is sleeping.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

C. This option is appropriate as the current treatment protocol is not effectively managing the patient's pain. The nurse can collaborate with the healthcare provider to reassess the patient's pain management needs and explore alternative strategies or adjustments to the PCA regimen.

A. This approach may lead to overmedication and increase the risk of adverse effects such as respiratory depression or sedation.

B. Requesting a bolus dose when the patient awakens with pain could be a part of the solution, but it should be carefully evaluated within the context of the overall pain management plan.

D. Administering scheduled doses of morphine from the PCA machine without the patient's input or based solely on time intervals is not recommended.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Pallor of the toes indicates compromised blood flow and is the earliest sign of circulatory impairment due to tightness of the cast.

A. Inability to move toes may be a sign of tightness in the cast, but it is not the first finding to be expected if the cast is too tight.

C. Change in temperature of the toes may be a sign of impaired circulation, but it is not the earliest finding to be expected.

D. Edema of the toes may occur as a result of compromised circulation, but it is not the first finding to be expected if the cast is too tight.

A. Palpate the femoral pulse. B. Monitor the client's calf for edema. C. Instruct the client to wiggle his toes. D. Measure the circumference of the thigh.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. Asking the client to wiggle their toes assesses motor function and nerve integrity. In a neurovascular assessment, intact nerve function is crucial, as impaired nerve function can manifest as weakness or paralysis.

A. This technique assesses the circulation in the lower extremity by checking for the presence, strength, and symmetry of the pulse. However, it assesses for vascular component proximal to the fracture.

B. Edema in the calf muscle is mostly used as a marker for deep venous thrombosis. Although it can affect circulation. It may be a late sign.

D. Significant differences in thigh circumference between the affected and unaffected limb may indicate vascular compromise or other issues. This is however, a late sign of vascular compromise.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client following the application of a leg cast for the treatment of a fracture. If the cast is too tight, which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has an unrepaired femur fracture of the midshaft. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when performing an assessment of the client's neurovascular status?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the medication history of a client who has a new prescription for colchicine. Which of the following medications increases the client's risk when used in combination with colchicine for developing rhabdomyolysis?

A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

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?

A nurse notes increasing edema in the calf of a client who has multiple fractures of the leg. The nurse should recognize that increasing edema is a manifestation of which of the following complications?

A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured tibia. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has a fracture to achieve the outcome of functional healing. To assist in meeting this goal, which of the following nursing interventions is the highest priority?

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?

An unconscious patient who was transferred from surgery to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) 15 minutes ago has an oxygen saturation of 89%. Which action should the nurse take first?