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 B
Explanation
This is the best response for the PN to provide because it sets a clear and firm boundary for the adolescent and discourages inappropriate or sexual comments. The PN should also redirect the adolescent's attention to another topic or activity and document the incident.
A. The size of my breasts is of no concern to you is not the best response because it may sound defensive or sarcastic and may not deter the adolescent from making similar comments in the future.
C. Do you really think so? is not the best response because it may encourage or reinforce the adolescent's inappropriate or sexual comments and may imply that the PN is interested or flattered by them.
D. If you talk like that again, I will tell your parents is not the best response because it may sound threatening or punitive and may not address the underlying issue of the adolescent's behavior. The PN should inform the parents only if the behavior persists or escalates.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A thready pulse is a weak and rapid pulse that is easily obliterated by light pressure. It indicates poor blood flow and perfusion and may be caused by conditions such as shock, dehydration, or hemorrhage.
The other options are not correct because:
B. A missing pulse is a pulse that is absent or cannot be detected, even with firm pressure. It indicates a complete blockage of blood flow, and may be caused by conditions such as arterial occlusion, embolism, or trauma.
C. Light pressure applied to pulse is not a documentation of the pulse quality, but a description of the technique used to palpate the pulse.
D. Pulse skips beats is a documentation of an irregular pulse rhythm, not a pulse volume. It indicates that the heart beats are unevenly spaced, and may be caused by conditions such as arrhythmia, stress, or caffeine intake.
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