The parents of a child hospitalized with sickle cell anemia tell the nurse that they are concerned about giving him morphine and it causing addiction. Which is appropriate for the nurse to explain about opioid analgesics?
Are given as a last resort because of the threat of addiction.
Are often ordered but not usually needed.
Rarely cause addiction because they are medically indicated.
Are used only if other measures, such as ice packs, are ineffective.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Opioid analgesics are not given as a last resort solely because of the threat of addiction. While the risk of addiction is a concern, opioids are often necessary for managing severe pain, especially in conditions like sickle cell anemia. The American Society of Hematology guidelines emphasize the importance of effective pain management in sickle cell disease, which often includes the use of opioids. The goal is to manage pain effectively while monitoring for signs of misuse or addiction.
Choice B reason:
Opioid analgesics are often ordered and are usually needed for managing severe pain in patients with sickle cell anemia. Pain episodes in sickle cell disease can be extremely severe and debilitating, requiring potent analgesics like morphine for relief. The management of acute vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell disease often necessitates the use of opioids to provide adequate pain control.
Choice C reason:
Opioid analgesics, when medically indicated and used under proper medical supervision, rarely cause addiction. The risk of addiction is significantly lower when opioids are used appropriately for pain management in a controlled medical setting. The Mayo Clinic highlights that while opioids have addictive properties, their medical use for pain relief, especially in acute settings, is generally safe when monitored by healthcare professionals.
Choice D reason:
Opioid analgesics are not used only if other measures, such as ice packs, are ineffective. While non-pharmacological measures can be part of pain management, opioids are often necessary for managing severe pain episodes in sickle cell disease. The use of opioids is based on the severity of the pain and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Jaundice can be an assessment finding in infants with a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause systemic symptoms in infants, including jaundice, especially in newborns. This is due to the immature liver function and the body’s response to infection1. Jaundice in the context of a UTI requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment to prevent complications.
Choice B reason:
Failure to gain weight is another possible assessment finding in infants with a UTI. Infants with UTIs may experience poor feeding, irritability, and lethargy, which can contribute to inadequate weight gain2. Monitoring an infant’s growth and development is crucial, and any signs of failure to thrive should prompt further investigation for underlying conditions such as UTIs.
Choice C reason:
Swelling of the face is not typically associated with UTIs in infants. While facial swelling can be a sign of other medical conditions, it is not a common symptom of UTIs. UTIs primarily affect the urinary system and may cause symptoms such as fever, irritability, and poor feeding.
Choice D reason:
Persistent diaper rash can be an assessment finding in infants with a UTI. The presence of a UTI can lead to increased urine output and changes in urine composition, which can irritate the skin and contribute to diaper rash. Persistent or recurrent diaper rash in conjunction with other symptoms may warrant further evaluation for a UTI.
Choice E reason:
Vomiting is a common symptom in infants with UTIs. The infection can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and poor feeding. These symptoms, along with fever and irritability, are often seen in infants with UTIs and should prompt medical evaluation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Keeping the affected extremity below the level of the heart is not recommended in the management of hemarthrosis in a child with hemophilia A. Elevating the affected limb can help reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return and decreasing pressure in the joint.
Choice B Reason:
The use of topical analgesic cream on the painful area is not a primary treatment for hemarthrosis in hemophilia A. While it may provide some temporary relief, it does not address the underlying issue of bleeding within the joint. The primary treatment involves replacing the missing clotting factor.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing the parent to call their health care provider to obtain a plan of care is important, but it is not the immediate management step for hemarthrosis. Prompt treatment with clotting factor replacement is crucial to stop the bleeding and prevent joint damage.
Choice D Reason:
Prompt infusion of Factor VIII is the primary treatment for hemarthrosis in a child with hemophilia A. This treatment helps to replace the missing clotting factor, stop the bleeding, and prevent further joint damage. Early intervention is essential to minimize complications and promote healing.

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