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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Antihypertensive drugs typically work by reducing blood pressure through various mechanisms, such as dilating blood vessels, reducing blood volume, or affecting the heart's workload. They do not increase blood flow to the heart and kidneys.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer. Antihypertensive drugs work by affecting different aspects of the cardiovascular system, such as reducing blood vessel constriction (vasodilation), decreasing blood volume, or slowing the heart rate. By affecting these components, they can lower blood pressure.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Antihypertensive drugs can interact with other medications or supplements, potentially causing adverse effects or drug interactions. It's essential for the client to inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Antihypertensive drugs do not cure hypertension but help control it. Clients need to understand that they will likely need to take these medications long-term to manage their blood pressure effectively.

A. "Tell me about your coping strategies and support system.". B. "How often do you experience panic attacks and what triggers them?". C. "What medications are you currently taking for your panic disorder?". D. "Have you ever had any laboratory tests done for your panic disorder?".

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

"Tell me about your coping strategies and support system." This is an appropriate statement during the assessment of a client with panic disorder. Understanding the client's coping mechanisms and support system can help the nurse tailor the care plan to the client's specific needs and strengths.

Choice B rationale:

"How often do you experience panic attacks and what triggers them?" While this question may be relevant, it focuses primarily on the frequency and triggers of panic attacks. While this information is important, it doesn't address coping strategies or support systems, which are equally important aspects of the assessment.

Choice C rationale:

"What medications are you currently taking for your panic disorder?" This question is essential for medication management but does not directly address coping strategies or support systems, which are more pertinent to the assessment in this context.

Choice D rationale:

"Have you ever had any laboratory tests done for your panic disorder?" This question is not relevant to the assessment of panic disorder. Panic disorder is primarily diagnosed based on clinical criteria and does not require specific laboratory tests.

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Which action should the practical nurse (PNA) prioritize for postoperative patient with a PCA (Patient- Controlled Analgesia) machine?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about antihypertensive drugs.Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder.Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate during the assessment?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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