The nurse appreciates the principal advantage in using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that it:.
reduces the workload of the nurse, because it does not have to be checked often.
completely eliminates any pain the patient is experiencing.
eliminates the risk of adverse drug effects from the medication.
reduces patient anxiety about pain by giving the patient more control in its management.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a method of pain management that allows the patient to administer their own pain medication within specified limits, but it doesn't reduce the workload of the nurse. The nurse is responsible for setting up and monitoring the PCA pump, educating the patient, assessing their pain, and ensuring safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
PCA does not completely eliminate pain. It provides the patient with control over their pain relief by allowing them to self-administer medication within preset limits. However, it does not guarantee the complete absence of pain. Pain relief is provided within a safe dosage range, but some level of pain may still be experienced. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
PCA does not eliminate the risk of adverse drug effects entirely. The nurse must monitor the patient for signs of adverse effects, such as respiratory depression or sedation. While the patient has control over medication administration, there are still risks associated with opioid analgesics. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
The principal advantage of using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that it reduces patient anxiety about pain by giving the patient more control over its management. This choice is correct because PCA empowers the patient to self-administer pain medication when needed, which can lead to better pain control and reduced anxiety. The nurse sets safe dosage limits and monitors the patient, ensuring safety while providing a sense of control.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bradycardia, a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with acute pain. In response to pain, the body usually experiences increased heart rate (tachycardia) as part of the stress response.
Choice B rationale:
A decreased respiratory rate is not an expected finding in response to acute pain. Acute pain often leads to increased respiratory rate as the body attempts to manage the pain and stress.
Choice C rationale:
Hypoglycemia, a low blood sugar level, is not a typical physiological response to acute pain. Acute pain is more likely to induce a release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, is an expected physiological response to acute pain. Pain activates the body's stress response, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which can cause vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. This response helps prepare the body to cope with the pain and stress. Monitoring blood pressure in a client reporting acute pain is essential to assess the impact of pain and determine appropriate pain management strategies.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
IM injections of pain medication may be contraindicated for patients who have small, poorly developed muscles. The rationale for this is that IM injections require adequate muscle mass to ensure proper absorption and distribution of the medication. If a patient has small, poorly developed muscles, the injection may not be as effective, and there's a risk of improper medication delivery, which can lead to reduced pain relief and potential complications.
Choice B rationale:
IM injections are not primarily contraindicated for patients based on their cognitive abilities. However, the patient's cognitive abilities may affect their ability to understand and follow instructions related to the injection process. It's essential for healthcare providers to ensure that the patient comprehends the procedure and can cooperate. Patients with cognitive impairments may require additional assistance or alternative methods of pain management, but it's not a direct contraindication to IM injections.
Choice C rationale:
Needing short-term pain management is not a contraindication for IM injections of pain medication. IM injections can be suitable for short-term pain relief, as they can provide relatively rapid and effective pain control. The choice of pain management method should depend on the specific circumstances and the patient's condition, but the duration of pain management needed is not a direct contraindication to IM injections.
Choice D rationale:
Having multiple drug allergies can be a concern when considering IM injections of pain medication, but it is not a direct contraindication. The healthcare provider should carefully assess the patient's allergies and select a medication that is safe and appropriate for the individual. In some cases, alternative routes of administration may be considered to avoid allergenic reactions. However, having multiple drug allergies alone does not necessarily contraindicate IM injections.
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