The health care provider orders a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine to provide pain relief for a patient with acute surgical pain who has never received opioids before. Which nursing actions regarding opioid administration are appropriate at this time? (Select all that apply.)
Emphasize that their spouse may push the pain button when they are uncomfortable
Provide instructions on decreasing opioid doses by the second postoperative day.
Teach the patient about how analgesics improve postoperative activity levels.
Monitor for therapeutic and adverse effects of opioid administration.
Assess for signs that the patient is becoming addicted to the opioid.
Correct Answer : C,D
C. Education about the benefits of pain management, including how analgesics can improve postoperative activity levels by reducing pain and discomfort, helps to promote the patient's understanding and engagement in their own care.
D. Nurses should closely monitor the patient for both therapeutic effects and adverse effects of opioid administration when using PCA or any other opioid analgesic. Regular assessment allows for prompt identification and management of any complications or side effects.
A. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is designed for the patient to self-administer pain medication according to their own needs and pain levels.
B. Opioid dosing should be individualized based on the patient's pain level and response to the medication. Some patients may require ongoing opioid analgesia for more than two days postoperatively, while others may be able to transition to alternative pain management strategies sooner.
E. Concerns about opioid addiction should not be assumed in all patients, especially those who have never received opioids before. Instead, the focus should be on assessing the patient's pain levels, response to pain medication, and any adverse effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Phalen's sign is a test for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is positive when the client experiences numbness, tingling, or pain in the median nerve distribution (especially the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger) within 1 minute of wrist flexion.
A. Cool extremities are not typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. They may indicate issues related to circulation rather than compression of the median nerve.
C. Trousseau's sign is a test for latent tetany, which is associated with hypocalcemia. It involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm and observing for carpal spasm. It is not a manifestation of carpal tunnel syndrome.
D. A decreased radial pulse may indicate vascular issues or compression of the radial artery, not carpal tunnel syndrome.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Synthetic casts are indeed lighter in weight compared to plaster casts. This lighter weight can improve patient comfort and mobility during the healing process.
A. Plaster casts typically do not require expensive equipment for application. The materials needed for applying a plaster cast are relatively inexpensive and readily available in most healthcare settings.
B. Both the synthetic and plaster casts have relatively equal efficacy in fracture immobilization.
D. Synthetic casts typically have a shorter drying time compared to plaster casts. They may dry within 10 to 30 minutes, whereas plaster casts can take longer, often several hours, to fully dry and harden.
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