An older adult client returns to the clinic for chronic pain management after taking morphine sulfate 25 mg PO every 12 hours. The client reports taking the medication only when the pain was too severe to sleep. Which action should the nurse implement?
Teach the client alternative ways to manage chronic pain.
Instruct the client to take the morphine sulfate every 12 hours as prescribed.
Tell the client to continue taking the morphine sulfate with severe pain.
Explain the risk of drug addiction from long-term pain medications.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: While teaching alternative ways to manage pain is important, it does not address the immediate issue of the client not taking the medication as prescribed.
Choice B reason: The client should be instructed to take the medication as prescribed to maintain consistent pain control and prevent breakthrough pain.
Choice C reason: Advising the client to take the medication only with severe pain is contrary to the prescribed regimen and could lead to inadequate pain management.
Choice D reason: It is important to discuss the risks of long-term medication use, but the priority is to ensure that the client understands the importance of taking the medication as prescribed for effective pain management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Skin turgor is a method to assess hydration status, but it is not the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in a patient with fluid volume overload.
Choice B reason: Monitoring weight is the most accurate method to assess fluid balance. A sudden increase or decrease in weight is indicative of fluid changes.
Choice C reason: Blood pressure can be affected by fluid volume changes, but it does not provide a direct measure of fluid balance.
Choice D reason: Lung sounds can indicate fluid overload in the lungs but do not give a complete picture of overall fluid balance.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The results are within the normal reference range for both potassium and sodium, which is expected unless the client's condition has led to significant electrolyte imbalances.
Choice B reason: A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is at the higher end of the normal range, which might not be expected in a client with vomiting and diarrhea, conditions that often lead to lower potassium levels.
Choice C reason: A serum potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range and could indicate hyperkalemia, especially in the context of severe dehydration.
Choice D reason: A serum sodium level of 149 mEq/L is slightly above the normal range and could indicate hypernatremia, which may occur in dehydration but would require further assessment and intervention.

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