For the past six hours, a postoperative male client has refused pain medication because he believed that he could "tough it out." When an opioid analgesic is administered, the client has difficulty obtaining a satisfactory level of comfort. Which action is best for the practical nurse (PN) to use in assisting this client to deal with his pain?
Dim the lights in the room and close the door.
Guide the client through slow, rhythmic breathing.
Turn the television on to the client's favorite show.
Obtain a prescription for a higher dose of pain medication.
The Correct Answer is B
This is the best action for the PN to use in assisting this client to deal with his pain because it provides a non-pharmacological method of pain relief that can enhance the effect of the opioid analgesic. Slow, rhythmic breathing can help the client relax, distract from the pain, and increase oxygenation and blood flow.
A. Dimming the lights in the room and closing the door may not be enough to help the client deal with his pain and may not address his psychological or emotional needs.
C. Turning the television on to the client's favorite show may not be effective in helping the client deal with his pain and may be distracting or irritating for him.
D. Obtaining a prescription for a higher dose of pain medication may not be necessary or appropriate for this client and may increase the risk of side effects or dependence. The PN should assess the client's pain level and response to the current dose before requesting a change in medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Croup is a respiratory infection that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airway, resulting in a barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor. The PN should monitor the child's oxygen saturation level via pulse oximetry, as it can indicate the severity of the airway obstruction and the need for supplemental oxygen or other interventions.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Instructing the mother to play with the child for stimulation and distraction may worsen the child's condition, as it can increase his respiratory demand and anxiety.
B. Administering a dose of acetaminophen as needed may help reduce fever or pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of croup or improve airway patency.
D. Encouraging the child to drink adequate amounts of fluids may help prevent dehydration and thin the secretions, but it does not relieve the inflammation or narrowing of the airway.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Attach the drainage bag to the bed frame.
Choice A rationale:
Measuring the urinary output in the bag is a routine task but does not address the improper placement of the drainage bag. The immediate concern is to ensure the drainage bag is correctly positioned to prevent complications.
Choice B rationale:
Attaching the drainage bag to the bed frame is the correct action. The drainage bag should be kept below the level of the bladder and attached to a non-movable part of the bed to prevent backflow and reduce the risk of infection.
Choice C rationale:
Applying gloves and emptying the drainage bag is not the immediate priority. The drainage bag should not be allowed to overfill, but in this scenario, it is only half-full, so this action is not urgent.
Choice D rationale:
Removing the looped tubing from the bed is important to ensure proper drainage and prevent backflow, but it does not address the incorrect placement of the drainage bag, which is the primary concern in this situation.
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