The nurse is preparing to apply the client’s scheduled fentanyl transdermal patch. The nurse notes the previously applied patch is intact on the client’s upper back and the client reports no pain. Which action should the nurse take?
Remove the patch and consult with the healthcare provider about the client’s pain resolution.
Place the patch on the client’s shoulder and leave both patches in place for 12 hours.
Apply the new patch in a different location after removing the original patch.
Administer an oral analgesic and evaluate its effectiveness before applying the new patch.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Remove the patch and consult with the healthcare provider about the client’s pain resolution: While it’s essential to assess the need for continued pain management, removing the patch without replacing it could lead to inadequate pain control, especially if the client still requires opioid analgesia. Additionally, fentanyl patches are typically left in place for their prescribed duration, and removing them prematurely could disrupt the pain management plan.
B) Place the patch on the client's sh’ulder and leave both patches in place for 12 hours: Applying a new patch without removing the previous one could result in a higher-than-intended dose of fentanyl, increasing the risk of opioid toxicity. Leaving both patches in place simultaneously is not recommended.
C) Apply the new patch in a different location after removing the original patch: This is the correct action. Applying the new patch in a different location helps prevent skin irritation and ensures consistent drug absorption. Rotating patch sites according to the manufacturer's in’tructions is important for optimal medication delivery.
D) Administer an oral analgesic and evaluate its effectiveness before applying the new patch: While oral analgesics may provide temporary relief, they may not be as effective as transdermal fentanyl for managing chronic pain, especially if the client has been on a stable regimen of fentanyl patches. Additionally, delaying the application of the new patch could lead to inadequate pain control.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- pH: Calcium acetate is not directly related to changes in blood pH. Therefore, monitoring pH levels would not indicate the effectiveness of the medication for CKD.
B) Calcium: Calcium levels may be affected by calcium acetate, but the primary goal of using calcium acetate in CKD is to reduce phosphate levels, not calcium levels. Therefore, monitoring calcium levels would not directly indicate the effectiveness of the medication.
C) Potassium: Calcium acetate is not typically used to affect potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels would not indicate the effectiveness of calcium acetate for CKD.
D) Phosphate: This is the correct answer. Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder commonly used in CKD to help lower elevated phosphate levels. A decrease in phosphate levels in the blood would indicate that the medication is having the desired effect in controlling phosphate levels, which is important in managing CKD and preventing complications associated with hyperphosphatemia. Therefore, monitoring phosphate levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of calcium acetate therapy in CKD.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) A total calcium level of 5.5 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L) is critically low, as the normal reference range for total calcium is between 9 to 10.4 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L). Hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications such as tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures. Before administering methylprednisolone, which can further decrease calcium levels and contribute to osteoporosis, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider to address the client's low calcium level. This may involve correcting the calcium deficiency before proceeding with the administration of the
B) If a healthcare provider orders a calcium supplement for the client, administering it would be appropriate to help correct the hypocalcemia before administering methylprednisolone. However, in the absence of a direct order, the nurse should first notify the healthcare provider to ensure that the client's calcium levels are addressed appropriately before proceeding with any medication that could exacerbate the issue. The priority is to manage the low calcium levels before administering corticosteroids like methylprednisolone.
C) Administering methylprednisolone with a glass of milk may help with calcium absorption; however, this does not directly address the critical issue of hypocalcemia. The nurse must first prioritize notifying the healthcare provider and correcting the calcium imbalance before proceeding with medication administration.
D) Tapering the dose of methylprednisolone is not immediately appropriate based on the low calcium level alone. Methylprednisolone is often tapered to avoid withdrawal symptoms, but the nurse's first priority is to address the client's hypocalcemia, which can have more immediate clinical consequences. The focus should be on stabilizing the calcium level first.
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