A patient with metastatic cancer who was taking hydromorphone orally at home is now receiving the medication intravenously while in the hospital.
To evaluate if the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of the hydromorphone, which assessment should the nurse complete?
Respiratory rate.
Pain scale.
Blood pressure.
Level of consciousness.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While monitoring the respiratory rate is important in a patient receiving opioids like hydromorphone, it does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of the medication.
Choice B rationale
Pain scale assessment is the most direct way to evaluate if the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone. Equianalgesic refers to a dose of one opioid that would provide the same level of pain relief as a given dose of another opioid. If the patient’s pain is well-controlled, it suggests that the dose of hydromorphone is equianalgesic to the dose of the previous opioid.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring blood pressure is important in a patient receiving opioids as these medications can cause hypotension. However, blood pressure does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone.
Choice D rationale
While it’s important to monitor the level of consciousness in a patient receiving opioids as these medications can cause sedation, it does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The statement “This diagnosis means that I am crazy” requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Mental health conditions do not equate to being “crazy”. It’s important to educate the client about the nature of their diagnosis and dispel any misconceptions.
Choice B rationale
The statement “Many people have the same response to a stressful situation as I am having right now” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client understands that their reaction to stress is not uncommon.
Choice C rationale
The statement “I will probably need to be on medication for the rest of my life” requires follow-up teaching. While some conditions do require long-term medication, it’s not a certainty for all conditions. The duration of treatment can vary based on the individual’s response and the nature of their condition.
Choice D rationale
The statement “I can use holistic approaches like meditation to help my symptoms” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client is open to using non-pharmacological methods to manage their symptoms, which can be a beneficial part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Choice E rationale
The statement “I am at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder because I have acute stress disorder” does not require follow-up teaching. It’s accurate that individuals with acute stress disorder are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Choice F rationale
The statement “I can learn to manage my thoughts better through therapy” does not require follow-up teaching. It shows that the client understands the benefits of therapy in managing their condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Noting the presence of an auscultatory gap, which is a period of abnormal silence in Korotkoff sounds during blood pressure measurement, is important. However, in this case, the silence followed by a Korotkoff sound is a normal finding and does not indicate an auscultatory gap.
Choice B rationale
After inflating a blood pressure cuff and releasing the valve, the nurse hears silence followed by a Korotkoff sound. This is a normal finding and indicates that the nurse should continue with the blood pressure assessment.
Choice C rationale
Re-inflating the cuff to a higher number is not necessary in this case as the initial silence followed by a Korotkoff sound is a normal finding.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the stethoscope over the brachial artery may not resolve the issue of hearing silence followed by a Korotkoff sound. It is important to assess the situation further before making adjustments.
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.