The nurse is caring for a client who is still experiencing light sedation after undergoing an emergency colectomy for bowel obstruction. Which postoperative pain intervention should the nurse implement first?
Provide the first medication prescribed for pain management.
Review medical records to obtain pain tolerance expectations.
Wait until the client is awake before providing pain management.
Attempt to obtain a self-report of pain level from the client.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Providing the first medication prescribed for pain management is the best intervention that the nurse can implement first, because it can prevent the escalation of pain and reduce the need for higher doses later. The nurse should follow the principles of pain management, such as administering analgesics before pain becomes severe, using a multimodal approach, and individualizing the plan of care.
Choice B reason: Reviewing medical records to obtain pain tolerance expectations is not a priority intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it may not reflect the current pain level or needs of the client. Pain tolerance is influenced by many factors, such as culture, age, gender, and previous experiences, and it may vary from person to person and from situation to situation.
Choice C reason: Waiting until the client is awake before providing pain management is not a recommended intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it can lead to inadequate pain relief and delayed recovery. The nurse should not assume that the client is not in pain because of sedation, but should use other indicators, such as vital signs, facial expressions, and body movements, to assess pain.
Choice D reason: Attempting to obtain a self-report of pain level from the client is not a feasible intervention that the nurse should implement first, because the client may not be able to respond due to sedation. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain assessment tool that is appropriate for the client's condition, such as the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) or the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT), to measure pain.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using incentive spirometer is not a relevant instruction for a client with BPH who underwent TUNA. Incentive spirometer is a device that helps improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications after surgery or prolonged bed rest. TUNA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink the prostate tissue and relieve the urinary obstruction. TUNA does not affect the respiratory system or require general anesthesia.
Choice B reason: Monitoring urinary stream for decrease in output is an important instruction for a client with BPH who underwent TUNA. Urinary output can reflect the kidney function and the effectiveness of the procedure. A decrease in urinary output can indicate urinary retention, infection, or bleeding, which are potential complications of TUNA. The client should report any changes in the urinary stream, such as difficulty, pain, frequency, urgency, or hesitancy, to the health care provider.
Choice C reason: Reporting when hematuria becomes pink tinged is not a necessary instruction for a client with BPH who underwent TUNA. Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, which is a common and expected finding after TUNA. Hematuria usually resolves within a few days and does not require intervention, unless it is excessive or persistent. The client should drink plenty of fluids to flush out the blood and prevent clot formation. The client should report any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or foul-smelling urine, to the health care provider.
Choice D reason: Restricting physical activities is a correct instruction for a client with BPH who underwent TUNA. Physical activities can increase the blood pressure and the risk of bleeding or injury to the prostate. The client should avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting, running, or biking, for at least two weeks after the procedure. The client should also avoid sexual intercourse, driving, or sitting for long periods until the symptoms subside. The client should follow the health care provider's advice on when to resume normal activities.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using a bed cradle to hold the covers off feet is not a good option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it can increase the risk of injury and infection to the feet. The client may have reduced sensation and circulation in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, which can make the feet more prone to ulcers, gangrene, and amputation. The client should keep the feet covered and protected from pressure and trauma.
Choice B reason: Providing a warming pad (Aqua-pad or K-pad) to feet is the best option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it can help improve the blood flow and comfort to the feet. The warming pad is a device that circulates warm water or air through a pad that is placed on the skin. The nurse should monitor the temperature and duration of the warming pad, and check the skin for signs of burns or blisters.
Choice C reason: Placing warm blankets next to the client’s feet is not a reliable option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it may not provide enough warmth and may slip off during the night. The client may not be able to adjust the blankets due to the hemiplegia, which can affect the movement and strength of the right side of the body. The client may also have difficulty feeling the blankets due to the neuropathy.
Choice D reason: Medicating the client with a prescribed sedative is not a suitable option for a client with DM and right hemiplegia, because it does not address the underlying cause of the cool feet, and may have adverse effects on the client’s condition. The sedative may interact with the client’s other medications, such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics, and cause hypoglycemia, which can worsen the stroke recovery. The sedative may also cause respiratory depression, which can affect the oxygen delivery to the brain and the feet.
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