The home health nurse observes a client self-administering an epinephrine injection using an auto-injector pen.
Which client action requires intervention by the nurse?
Administers onto the fleshy outer thigh.
Inserts the injection pen through clothing.
Cleanses the injection pen for re-use.
Cleans the injector pen for re-use.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administers onto the fleshy outer thigh: This is the recommended site for epinephrine auto-injection because it allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream. The outer thigh is a large muscle area, which helps in the rapid distribution of the medication.
B. Inserts the injection pen through clothing: It is generally acceptable to inject epinephrine through clothing in an emergency situation. This practice ensures that there is no delay in administering the life-saving medication, which is crucial during an anaphylactic reaction.
C. Cleanses the injection pen for re-use: Epinephrine auto-injectors are designed for single use only. Reusing the pen can lead to contamination and reduced effectiveness of the medication. It is important to dispose of the used injector properly and obtain a new one for future use.
D. Holds the pen in place after injection: Holding the pen in place for a few seconds after injection ensures that the full dose of medication is delivered. This practice helps in maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment during an anaphylactic emergency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Liver function lab results.
Choice A: Weight change in the last month
Weight change is a relevant factor to monitor in patients starting on antidepressants, including duloxetine, as some antidepressants can cause weight gain or loss. However, it is not the most critical information to obtain initially. Monitoring weight can help manage potential side effects and ensure the patient’s overall health, but it does not directly impact the immediate safety and efficacy of starting duloxetine.
Choice B: Recent use of other antidepressants
Recent use of other antidepressants is crucial information because combining duloxetine with other antidepressants, especially MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), can lead to serious interactions such as serotonin syndrome. This condition can be life-threatening and requires careful management. However, while this information is important, it is not as immediately critical as liver function tests when starting duloxetine.
Choice C: Liver function lab results
Liver function lab results are the most important information for the nurse to obtain. Duloxetine is metabolized in the liver, and patients with pre-existing liver conditions or impaired liver function are at higher risk for hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver function is essential to prevent severe liver damage, which can be life-threatening. Baseline liver function tests help ensure that the patient can safely metabolize the medication and identify any potential issues early.
Choice D: Family history of mental illness
Family history of mental illness can provide valuable context for understanding the patient’s condition and potential genetic predispositions. It can also help in tailoring the treatment plan and anticipating the patient’s response to medication. However, while this information is useful for long-term management, it is not as immediately critical as liver function tests when initiating duloxetine therapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom.
Choice A reason:
Advise the client that the medication should start to work in about 30 minutes.
While it is important to inform the client about the onset of action of the medication, this is not the highest priority. Codeine, an opioid, can cause dizziness and sedation, which increases the risk of falls. Therefore, safety measures take precedence over informing the client about the medication’s onset time.
Choice B reason:
Administer a stool softener/laxative at the same time as the analgesic.
Opioids like codeine can cause constipation, so administering a stool softener or laxative is a good practice. However, this action is not the highest priority when considering the immediate safety of the client. Ensuring the client’s safety from potential falls due to dizziness or sedation is more urgent.
Choice C reason:
Instruct the client to request assistance when ambulating to the bathroom.
This is the correct answer because codeine can cause dizziness, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension, increasing the risk of falls. Ensuring the client requests assistance when moving can prevent potential injuries, making it the highest priority nursing action.
Choice D reason:
Tell the client to notify the nurse if the pain is not relieved.
While it is important for the client to communicate about the effectiveness of pain relief, this is not the highest priority. The immediate concern is the client’s safety due to the sedative effects of codeine. Therefore, preventing falls and injuries takes precedence.
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