What information should the nurse include in a teaching plan for a patient who is being discharged home after knee surgery with a prescription for hydrocodone? Select All That Apply
Dietary restriction while taking hydrocodone
Instructions not to exceed recommended dosage
Instructions not to use alcohol or CNS depressants while taking hydrocodone
Instructions on how to prevent constipation
Side effects to report
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
A. Dietary restriction while taking hydrocodone
There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with hydrocodone use. This option is not relevant to hydrocodone therapy.
B. Instructions not to exceed recommended dosage
It is crucial to emphasize to the patient not to exceed the recommended dosage of hydrocodone. Exceeding the prescribed dose can lead to adverse effects, including respiratory depression.
C. Instructions not to use alcohol or CNS depressants while taking hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Combining it with alcohol or other CNS depressants can increase the risk of respiratory depression and sedation. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol and other drugs that depress the CNS.
D. Instructions on how to prevent constipation
Opioid medications, including hydrocodone, can cause constipation. Patients should receive instructions on how to prevent constipation, such as increasing fluid and fiber intake and incorporating regular physical activity.
E. Side effects to report
Patients should be educated about potential side effects of hydrocodone and instructed to report any unusual or severe side effects to their healthcare provider promptly. This may include symptoms such as respiratory distress, severe drowsiness, or allergic reactions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer the dose since the patient is not toxic.
This is not the appropriate action. With a drowsy patient and a high serum phenytoin level, there is a concern for toxicity. Administering the next dose could worsen the toxicity.
B. Contact the provider to discuss decreasing the phenytoin dose.
While adjusting the dose may be a consideration, the immediate action should be to withhold the next dose and report the elevated level to the healthcare provider. The provider can then determine the appropriate course of action.
C. Give the drug and monitor closely for adverse effects.
Giving the drug without further intervention is not appropriate when there are signs of potential toxicity, such as drowsiness. Monitoring alone is not sufficient in this case.
D. Report drug toxicity to the providers.
This is the correct choice. With a drowsy patient and a serum phenytoin level of 18 mcg/mL, which is considered high, reporting the drug toxicity to the healthcare provider is the immediate and appropriate action. The provider can then determine the next steps, such as adjusting the dose or ordering additional tests.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Bradycardia
Bradycardia is not a common side effect of diphenoxylate with atropine. Atropine, which is included in the combination, has anticholinergic effects that can lead to an increased heart rate (tachycardia), not bradycardia.
B. Fluid retention
Fluid retention is not a common side effect of diphenoxylate with atropine. In fact, the medication is used to treat severe diarrhea, and the goal is to decrease fluid loss associated with diarrhea rather than causing fluid retention.
C. Nervousness and tremors
Nervousness and tremors are not common side effects of diphenoxylate with atropine. Atropine's anticholinergic effects may cause nervousness, but these effects are generally not prominent at therapeutic doses.
D. Respiratory depression
This is the correct choice. Respiratory depression is a potential side effect of diphenoxylate with atropine, particularly if the medication is misused or taken in excessive amounts. Atropine is included in the combination to discourage misuse, as it can cause unpleasant anticholinergic effects.
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