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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because the apical pulse is the most accurate measurement of the heart rate and rhythm. Digoxin is a cardiac medication that affects the heart rate and can cause arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should use the apical pulse to monitor the patient's response to the medication.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the carotid pulse is not the best site to measure the heart rate before administering digoxin. The carotid pulse is located in the neck and can be affected by external factors such as pressure or movement. The carotid pulse is also not recommended for routine use because it can stimulate the vagus nerve and lower the heart rate.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the radial pulse is not the best site to measure the heart rate before administering digoxin. The radial pulse is located in the wrist and can be affected by peripheral factors such as circulation or temperature. The radial pulse can also be inaccurate or irregular if the patient has an arrhythmia.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the brachial pulse is not the best site to measure the heart rate before administering digoxin. The brachial pulse is located in the upper arm and can be affected by arm position or blood pressure. The brachial pulse is also not as reliable as the apical pulse for detecting changes in the heart rate and rhythm.
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