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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Oxymorphone is not an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). It is an opioid analgesic, which is used for more severe pain relief. It is not suitable for managing swelling and pain caused by an injury.
Choice B rationale:
Ibuprofen is an NSAID and is an appropriate choice for managing pain and swelling associated with injuries like the patient's knee injury. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort in such cases.
Choice C rationale:
Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. It is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic, and while it can help with pain relief, it may not be as effective in reducing inflammation, which is essential in cases of swelling due to an injury.
Choice D rationale:
Aspirin is an NSAID, but it is not the best choice for this patient. Aspirin is known to have a higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects, and there are other NSAIDs like ibuprofen that are generally preferred for pain management and inflammation without the same level of side effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing electrodes on all four extremities is not the initial step in using a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) unit. It may not be necessary for the specific pain management needs of the patient and can be uncomfortable or impractical.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct initial step when starting TENS treatment. The nurse should adjust the settings to a level below the threshold at which the patient feels a tingling sensation. This ensures that the treatment is comfortable and safe for the patient. The goal is to provide pain relief, not to induce discomfort.
Choice C rationale:
Turning the unit on before attaching it to the patient is not advisable. It's essential to connect the electrodes to the patient first and then turn on the TENS unit. This sequence helps prevent accidental electrical stimulation before the device is properly set up.
Choice D rationale:
Applying conductive jelly to uncoated electrodes is a step in preparing the electrodes for use, but it should be done after attaching the electrodes to the patient's skin. This choice does not address the initial step in TENS treatment, which is setting the stimulation level. .
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