Which instruction will the nurse give to the patient about proper use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)?

The PCA will give additional pain medication whenever the button is pushed.

The PCA will deliver medication through the IV until the pain is all gone.

You or a designated family member are the only one who gets to push the PCA button-nobody else may do so.

Wait until the pain becomes severe before pushing the PCA button.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The PCA will not give additional pain medication whenever the button is pushed. The PCA is programmed to deliver a specific dose of pain medication at a specific interval. If the button is pushed before the interval is over, the PCA will not release any medication. This is to prevent overdose and side effects.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. The PCA will not deliver medication through the IV until the pain is all gone. The PCA is designed to provide pain relief, not pain elimination. The PCA has a limit on how much medication it can deliver in a certain period of time. The patient may still have some pain even after using the PCA.

Choice C reason: This is correct. You or a designated family member are the only one who gets to push the PCA button-nobody else may do so. The PCA is intended to give the patient control over their pain management. The patient should push the button when they feel pain, not when someone else thinks they need it. Allowing others to push the button can lead to under- or over-medication, which can be harmful.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Wait until the pain becomes severe before pushing the PCA button is not a good instruction. The PCA is more effective when the patient pushes the button before the pain becomes too intense. Waiting too long can make the pain harder to control and require more medication. The patient should use the PCA as needed to keep the pain at a tolerable level.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Making sure that the earpieces fit loosely in the nurse’s ear canals will not help the nurse hear the heartbeat more clearly. Loose earpieces can let in ambient noise and reduce the sound quality.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Utilizing a stethoscope with the longest possible tubing will not help the nurse hear the heartbeat more clearly. Long tubing can reduce the sound transmission and create interference.

Choice C reason: This is correct. Placing the diaphragm firmly against the patient’s skin will help the nurse hear the heartbeat more clearly. The diaphragm is the flat circular part of the chest piece that is used to listen to low-pitched sounds, such as the heart. Firm pressure creates a good seal and blocks out external noise.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Positioning the bell very lightly over the patient’s sternum will not help the nurse hear the heartbeat more clearly. The bell is the small cup-shaped part of the chest piece that is used to listen to high-pitched sounds, such as the lungs. Light pressure is needed to avoid activating the diaphragm, but the sternum is not the best location to listen to the apical pulse.

A. The patient frequently uses an alcohol-based sanitizer for hand hygiene. B. The patient takes acetaminophen 1000 mg every 4 hours around the clock. C. The patient takes alprazolam 0.25 mg every 3 hours. D. The patient rinses with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing the teeth.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The patient frequently using an alcohol-based sanitizer for hand hygiene does not pose a risk for poisoning. Alcohol-based sanitizers are safe and effective for reducing the transmission of germs.

Choice B reason: This is correct. The patient taking acetaminophen 1000 mg every 4 hours around the clock poses a risk for poisoning. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever that can cause liver damage or failure if taken in excess or for a prolonged period of time. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4000 mg.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The patient taking alprazolam 0.25 mg every 3 hours does not pose a risk for poisoning. Alprazolam is a prescription medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or dependence, but not poisoning.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The patient rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing the teeth does not pose a risk for poisoning. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen the enamel. It is added to many dental products and public water supplies. It can cause mild stomach upset if swallowed in large amounts, but not poisoning.

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Which instruction will the nurse give to the patient about proper use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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