Which action should the practical nurse (PNA) prioritize for postoperative patient with a PCA (Patient- Controlled Analgesia) machine?
Coffee ground secretions drainage via nasogastric tube
Nasogastric tube suctioning
Assessing pain management response
Ineffective pain management report
The Correct Answer is C
c) Assessing pain management response.
This is the correct answer because it is the most important and relevant action that the PN should do for a postoperative patient with a PCA machine. A PCA machine is a computerized device that allows the patient to self-administer a preset dose of pain medication, usually an opioid, by pressing a buton. The PCA machine is atached to an intravenous (IV) line that delivers the medication directly into the bloodstream. The PCA machine can provide effective and individualized pain relief for postoperative patients, as well as increase their sense of control and satisfaction¹².
The PN should assess the pain management response of the postoperative patient with a PCA machine by monitoring their pain level, vital signs, oxygen saturation, sedation level, and side effects. The PN should use a valid and reliable pain scale, such as the numeric rating scale (NRS) or the visual analog scale (VAS), to measure the patient's pain intensity and relief. The PN should also check the settings and functioning of the PCA machine, such as the dose, lockout interval, and limit. The PN should document and report the patient's pain management response and any problems or complications with the PCA machine to the health care provider.
a) Coffee ground secretions drainage via nasogastric tube.
This is not the correct answer because it is not a priority action that the PN should do for a postoperative patient with a PCA machine. Coffee ground secretions are dark brown or black granular material that are drained from the stomach via a nasogastric tube. They indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from an ulcer, gastritis, or esophageal varices. Coffee ground secretions are a serious sign that require immediate atention and treatment³. However, they are not directly related to the use of a PCA machine or postoperative pain management. The PN should monitor the nasogastric tube drainage of the postoperative patient and report any coffee ground secretions to the health care provider, but this is not a priority action for a patient with a PCA machine.
b) Nasogastric tube suctioning.
This is not the correct answer because it is not a priority action that the PN should do for a postoperative patient with a PCA machine. Nasogastric tube suctioning is a procedure that involves applying negative pressure to a nasogastric tube to remove gastric contents from the stomach. It can be used to decompress the stomach, prevent vomiting or aspiration, or treat gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction⁴. However, it is not directly related to the use of a PCA machine or postoperative pain management. The PN should perform nasogastric tube suctioning as ordered by the health care provider and according to protocol, but this is not a priority action for a patient with a PCA machine.
d) Ineffective pain management report.
This is not the correct answer because it is not an action that the PN should do for a postoperative patient with a PCA machine. Ineffective pain management report is an outcome or evaluation that indicates that the patient's pain is not adequately controlled or relieved by the current treatment plan. It may be caused by various factors, such as inadequate dosing, inappropriate medication choice, poor adherence, tolerance, or side effects⁵. However, it is not an action that the PN can implement or perform for a postoperative patient with a PCA machine. The PN should assess and document the patient's pain management response and report any ineffective pain management to the health care provider, but this is not an action for a patient with a PCA machine.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: C. Bronchospasm.
Metoprolol is a selective beta-1 blocker, primarily affecting the heart, but it can still have some impact on beta-2 receptors in the lungs. In clients with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, beta-blockers can trigger bronchospasm, leading to breathing difficulties.
Here's why the other options are less likely to be adverse effects of metoprolol:
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A. Tachycardia: Metoprolol actually lowers heart rate, so tachycardia is not a typical adverse effect. Instead, bradycardia (slow heart rate) is more common.
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B. Hyperglycemia: Beta-blockers can sometimes mask symptoms of hypoglycemia, but they don’t directly cause high blood sugar.
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D. Hyperkalemia: Metoprolol doesn’t significantly affect potassium levels, so hyperkalemia is not a common concern.
Since metoprolol is frequently used in hypertension management, nurses must monitor clients for bradycardia, hypotension, and signs of bronchospasm, especially in individuals with respiratory disorders.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are:
a) Observe the progression of the seizure.
- Pad the side rails with pillows.
- Loosen clothing around the neck.
Explanation: During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to prioritize the safety and well-being of the child. The correct actions to implement immediately are:
a) Observe the progression of the seizure: The PN should closely observe the seizure to gather important information that can be helpful for medical professionals in assessing the seizure's characteristics and duration.
- Pad the side rails with pillows: Padding the side rails of the bed with pillows helps to prevent the child
from injuring themselves by hitting the side rails during the seizure.
- Loosen clothing around the neck: Loosening any tight clothing around the child's neck helps to ensure adequate breathing and prevent any constriction or discomfort during the seizure.
- Hold the extremities close to the body: This action is not recommended during a seizure as it may increase the risk of injury to the child or the PN.
- Insert a tongue blade between the teeth: It is not recommended to insert any object, including a tongue blade, between the teeth of a person experiencing a seizure. This can cause injury to the person's mouth or teeth and is no longer considered an appropriate intervention for seizures.
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