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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Asking another nurse about administering adult dosages to children may provide some insights, but it is not a reliable or definitive source of information. The PN should directly communicate with the healthcare provider who wrote the prescription to ensure accuracy and safety.
Choice B rationale:
Call the healthcare provider and clarify the prescription.
Choice C rationale:
While requesting verification from the charge nurse is reasonable, the charge nurse may not have the authority to change or clarify the prescription. The most appropriate action is to directly contact the healthcare provider responsible for the child's care.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage assumes that the pharmacy made an error, which may not be the case. The PN should confirm the prescription with the healthcare provider to avoid potential mistakes or misunderstandings.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the group of children that the PN should screen for scoliosis because they are at the highest risk of developing this condition. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that usually occurs during the growth spurt before puberty. Girls are more likely than boys to have scoliosis, and the condition tends to worsen during adolescence.
A. High school boys are not at high risk of scoliosis and do not need to be screened unless they have signs or symptoms of the condition.
B. High school girls are at lower risk of scoliosis than middle school girls because they have completed most of their growth spurt and their condition is less likely to progress.
C. Middle school boys are at lower risk of scoliosis than middle school girls because they have a slower growth rate and a later onset of puberty.
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