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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
C. Education about the benefits of pain management, including how analgesics can improve postoperative activity levels by reducing pain and discomfort, helps to promote the patient's understanding and engagement in their own care.
D. Nurses should closely monitor the patient for both therapeutic effects and adverse effects of opioid administration when using PCA or any other opioid analgesic. Regular assessment allows for prompt identification and management of any complications or side effects.
A. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is designed for the patient to self-administer pain medication according to their own needs and pain levels.
B. Opioid dosing should be individualized based on the patient's pain level and response to the medication. Some patients may require ongoing opioid analgesia for more than two days postoperatively, while others may be able to transition to alternative pain management strategies sooner.
E. Concerns about opioid addiction should not be assumed in all patients, especially those who have never received opioids before. Instead, the focus should be on assessing the patient's pain levels, response to pain medication, and any adverse effects.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This technique helps to prevent pressure ulcers and assists in maintaining proper spinal alignment, which is essential after such a surgery.
B. Clear drainage on the spinal dressing is not typically expected and could indicate an infection or other complication.
C. Assisting the client to sit upright in a chair for extended periods is not standard practices immediately following spinal fusion, as these actions may put undue stress on the spine during the critical initial healing phase.
D. Elevating the client's legs while sitting are not standard practices immediately following spinal fusion, as these actions may put undue stress on the spine during the critical initial healing phase
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.