The nurse is evaluating the client’s response to pain management.
Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client is experiencing the therapeutic effects of the medication.
Pain level presently 3 on a 0 to 10 scale. The client reports feeling "sleepy." Client is able to take deep breaths, achieving 1,000 mL on incentive spirometer. New mild cough noted. Repositions in bed with minimal assistance. Attempted to get up to the chair, but experienced dizziness with standing.
Pain level presently 3 on a 0 to 10 scale
The client reports feeling "sleepy."
Client is able to take deep breaths, achieving 1,000 mL on incentive spirometer.
New mild cough noted.
Repositions in bed with minimal assistance.
Attempted to get up to the chair, but experienced dizziness with standing.
The Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Rationale for correct choices:
• Pain level presently 3 on a 0 to 10 scale: A reduction in pain from 8/10 to 3/10 indicates that the morphine is effectively alleviating the client’s pain. Effective analgesia allows for improved comfort, participation in breathing exercises, and reduced stress response.
• Client is able to take deep breaths, achieving 1,000 mL on incentive spirometer: Increased inspiratory volume demonstrates improved lung expansion, indicating that pain control is facilitating better respiratory effort. This is especially important to prevent atelectasis and maintain adequate oxygenation after rib fractures.
• Repositions in bed with minimal assistance: Ability to move with less assistance reflects improved comfort and mobility due to effective pain management. This shows the therapeutic effect of analgesia in enabling functional activity without excessive pain.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
• Client reports feeling "sleepy": Sleepiness is a common side effect of morphine, reflecting central nervous system depression rather than a therapeutic effect of pain relief. While mild sedation can accompany effective analgesia, it does not directly indicate improvement in the underlying condition.
• New mild cough noted: The appearance of a new cough is not a direct indicator of therapeutic pain relief. It may reflect airway irritation, increased secretions, or a response to deeper breathing, but it is not a measure of analgesic effectiveness.
• Attempted to get up to the chair, but experienced dizziness with standing: Dizziness indicates a side effect of the opioid (orthostatic hypotension or sedation), not a therapeutic response. This finding requires monitoring and safety interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Argumentativeness and use of profanity: These behaviors may indicate escalating agitation and a risk for violence. Monitoring for verbal aggression is essential because it can quickly progress to physical aggression, making safety the priority concern.
B. Periodic sighing and shaking the head: These are signs of frustration or discouragement but are less concerning than overt verbal aggression. They do not immediately signal a risk of harm to others.
C. Decreased activity level and change in affect: A decline in activity or affect may suggest depression or withdrawal but does not indicate an acute risk of violent escalation like pacing and scowling combined with verbal aggression.
D. Repeated requests for attention from the nurse: Frequent requests may reflect anxiety or dependency but do not typically indicate imminent aggression. While they should be addressed, they are not the most critical behaviors to monitor in this scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Temperature: While monitoring temperature is part of routine assessment, it does not directly affect the safe administration of morphine. Fever is not an immediate contraindication to opioid use.
B. Heart rate: Heart rate should be monitored, but morphine primarily depresses the respiratory system rather than significantly affecting heart rate in most cases.
C. Respiratory rate: Morphine can cause respiratory depression, especially in opioid-naive or older adults. Assessing the respiratory rate before administration ensures the client can safely tolerate the medication and allows for early detection of adverse effects.
D. Blood pressure: Morphine can cause hypotension, so blood pressure monitoring is important, but respiratory depression poses a more immediate life-threatening risk and takes priority before administration.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
