You are the nurse caring for an elderly post-operative patient who is 12 hours post-op and is on an around-the-clock regimen with opioid pain medications scheduled every 4 hours for pain prophylaxis and management. The next dose of scheduled pain medication is due soon. When planning care for this patient, you recognize that based on their current condition and vital signs they are at the most risk for which of the following (select all that apply)?
The nurse questions giving the next dose of opioid medication right now due to which of the following potential complications? (Select All that Apply.)
Respiratory depression
Tachycardia
Urinary frequency
Constipation
Hypotension
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A. Respiratory depression is a common and serious side effect of opioid medications. The patient's respiratory rate is 11 breaths per minute, which is on the low end of normal and could be further depressed by additional opioid administration, increasing the risk of respiratory compromise.
B. Tachycardia is not a typical side effect of opioids. The patient’s heart rate is 72 beats per minute, which is within normal limits, and there is no indication of tachycardia.
C. Urinary frequency is unlikely to be caused by opioids. In fact, opioids can lead to urinary retention, not frequency, and the patient's urinary output is already low (480 mL in 12 hours), suggesting potential urinary retention.
D. Constipation is a common side effect of opioid use. The patient has not had a bowel movement in three days, and absent bowel sounds suggest the possibility of opioid-induced constipation.
E. Hypotension is a known side effect of opioids. The patient’s blood pressure is 90/54, which is on the low side, indicating that further opioid administration could exacerbate hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The patient should increase fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, not 1 to 2 glasses, to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
B. Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) can cause orange or red discoloration of urine, which is a harmless and temporary side effect that resolves after the medication is stopped. This indicates the patient understands the teaching.
C. Stopping medications prematurely can lead to incomplete treatment of the infection and potential antibiotic resistance. Patients should complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics.
D. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim) is an antibacterial, and phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic; neither medication is used to treat fungal infections.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. DSW (Dextrose in water) is not specifically used for compatibility with antibiotics. It is an intravenous fluid that provides water and glucose, but its use is not based on antibiotic compatibility.
B. DSW (5% dextrose in water) provides free water to the body. In the case of acute dehydration and hypernatremia, the water helps to dilute the high sodium levels in the bloodstream, lowering the sodium concentration.
C. DSW does not contain higher-than-normal amounts of sodium. It contains only a small amount of sodium from the dextrose, and its primary role is to provide free water.
D. DSW is not used to pull water out of the interstitial space. Hypertonic solutions (like 3% saline) are used for that purpose, not DSW.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.