Patient Data
Based on the trending heart rate and pain score, what should the nurse do? Select all that apply.
Assess for sources of pain other than the surgical site.
Change to a behavioral pain scale.
Give a dose of 2.5 mg of morphine.
Refer to social work for drug-seeking behavior.
Bring an opioid reversal agent to the bedside.
Lead the client in guided imagery.
Consult with the surgeon about the pain level.
Helping the client walk around the room.
Correct Answer : A,C,G,H
Choice A reason:
The increase in heart rate from 78 to 118 beats per minute, along with the increase in pain rating from 3 to 8, suggests that the client may be experiencing pain from a source other than the surgical site. It is important to assess for other potential sources of pain to ensure comprehensive pain management.
Choice B reason:
Changing to a behavioral pain scale is not indicated in this scenario. The numerical pain scale is a standard and effective method for assessing pain levels, and there is no indication that the client has difficulty communicating her pain using this scale.
Choice C reason:
Given that the client's pain rating increased to 8, which is above the threshold of 4 on the pain scale, administering a dose of 2.5 mg of morphine as per the orders is appropriate to manage her pain.
Choice D reason:
Referring to social work for drug-seeking behavior is not supported by the information provided. The client's increased pain rating and heart rate suggest a legitimate need for pain management rather than drug-seeking behavior.
Choice E reason:
Bringing an opioid reversal agent to the bedside is not indicated unless there is a concern for opioid overdose, which is not suggested by the information provided.
Choice F reason:
While guided imagery can be a helpful adjunct for pain management, it is not the primary intervention needed at this time given the client's significant increase in pain and heart rate.
Choice G reason:
Consulting with the surgeon about the client's increased pain level is important to rule out any complications from the surgery and to discuss further pain management strategies.
Choice H reason:
Assisting the client to walk around the room may help in pain management and is part of the postoperative care plan to increase walking distance. However, it should be done cautiously considering the client's current pain level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Observing the color and amount of urine is important for assessing kidney function and hydration status but is not the most critical intervention for hypokalemia, which can have immediate life-threatening cardiac effects.
Choice B reason: Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hypokalemia can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias, and the apical pulse is the most accurate non-invasive way to assess cardiac rhythm and rate.
Choice C reason: Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important for assessing the impact of hypokalemia on muscle function, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as cardiac effects.
Choice D reason: Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help evaluate neuromuscular involvement in hypokalemia but is less critical than monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reducing the amount of pressure may not be effective if the pulse is weak or absent; other methods may be needed to assess circulation.
Choice B reason: Documentation is important, but it should be done after all attempts to assess the pulse have been made.
Choice C reason: Using a Doppler stethoscope is a suitable next step when a pulse is not palpable, as it can detect weaker pulses not felt by palpation.
Choice D reason: Palpating the site on the inner side of the ankle below the medial malleolus assesses the posterior tibial pulse, not the dorsalis pedis pulse.
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