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 C
Explanation
A) Assessing for orthostatic hypotension is important when administering medications that can lower blood pressure, but in this scenario, the vital signs indicate bradycardia (heart rate of 48 beats/minute), which may be a contraindication for administering labetalol. Therefore, withholding the dose and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority.
B) Administering the dose and monitoring the client's blood pressure regularly could potentially worsen bradycardia and hypotension, especially given the client's current vital signs. It is safer to withhold the dose and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.
C) Withholding the scheduled dose and notifying the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action in this situation. The client's bradycardia, along with the hypertension, raises concern about the safety of administering labetalol without further assessment and possible adjustment of the treatment plan.
D) Applying a telemetry monitor may be warranted if the client's bradycardia is of concern, but it does not address the potential risk associated with administering labetalol to a client with a heart rate of 48 beats/minute. The priority is to withhold the medication and inform the healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Instruct the caregiver to withhold the medication until the dosage can be decreased to ensure the client's sa’ety: Withholding the medication without consulting the healthcare provider may not be appropriate, especially if the client is experiencing improvements in cognitive function. The insomnia may be a temporary side effect that could resolve with continued use or adjustment of the dosage.
B) Notify the healthcare provider that the dosage of the medication may need to be increased to manage the client's in’omnia: Increasing the dosage of rivastigmine to manage insomnia may not be the most appropriate action. It's es’ential to assess the client further and explore other interventions before considering a dosage adjustment.
C) Advise the caregiver that the purpose of the medication is to promote sleep, so a change in medication may be needed: Rivastigmine is not typically used to promote sleep. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's di’ease. Therefore, advising a change in medication solely based on the client's in’omnia is not appropriate.
D) Explain to the caregiver that insomnia is a common and temporary side effect when the medication is first started: Rivastigmine and other cholinesterase inhibitors may cause insomnia, especially when therapy is initiated. Educating the caregiver about this common side effect helps manage expectations and provides reassurance that the insomnia may improve over time as the client's bo’y adjusts to the medication.
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