The practical nurse (PN) is making a home visit to an older male adult who was recently diagnosed with Herpes zoster (shingles). The client reports the onset of severe burning pain along the right side of his trunk. What action should the PN take?
Administer a prescribed PRN dose of analgesic.
Obtain an oxygen tank for home administration.
Give the next prescribed dose of antiviral medication.
Notify the nursing supervisor of the uncontrolled pain.
The Correct Answer is A
This is the best action for the PN to take because it provides immediate relief for the client's pain, which can be severe and debilitating in Herpes zoster. The PN should also assess the client's pain level, location, and characteristics and document the response to the medication.
B. Obtaining an oxygen tank for home administration is not indicated for this client and does not address his pain issue. Herpes zoster does not affect the respiratory system and does not cause hypoxia or dyspnea.
C. Giving the next prescribed dose of antiviral medication is not a priority for this client and may not have an immediate effect on his pain. Antiviral medication can help reduce the duration and severity of Herpes zoster, but it does not provide analgesia.
D. Notifying the nursing supervisor of uncontrolled pain is not a priority for this client and may delay his pain relief. The PN should notify the nursing supervisor only if the prescribed analgesic is ineffective or causes adverse effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The PN should directly observe the UAP's performance and provide feedback and guidance as needed. This can help ensure that the UAP follows the standards of care and respects the client's dignity and preferences.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Asking another UAP to help the oriented may not be appropriate or necessary, as it may interfere with the orientation process and create confusion or conflict.
B. Verifying with the client that the bath was complete and thorough may not be sufficient or reliable, as the client may not be able to assess the quality of care or may not want to complain.
C. Inspecting the client's skin near the end of the bathing procedure may not be timely or comprehensive, as it may miss some aspects of care or some problems that occurred during the bath.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Enrollment in a remedial education class is unnecessary because the UAP is currently demonstrating the correct, evidence-based technique for providing oral care to an unconscious client to prevent aspiration.
Choice B rationale: While positive reinforcement is beneficial, the primary focus should be on the clinical safety of the procedure. Encouraging family participation is secondary to ensuring the UAP maintains proper safety protocols.
Choice C rationale: The side-lying position, combined with a towel and basin under the chin, allows secretions to drain out of the mouth by gravity. This is the safest position to prevent aspiration.
Choice D rationale: Placing an unconscious client in Fowler's position increases the risk of the tongue falling back and secretions being aspirated into the lungs. The flat, side-lying position is much safer.
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