A client in the surgical recovery area asks the nurse to bring the largest possible dose of pain medication available. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Ask the client to rate the current level of pain using a pain scale.

Encourage the client to use diversional thoughts to manage pain.

Review the history for a past use of recreational drugs.

Determine when the last dose was administered.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale; When a client requests pain medication, the first action the nurse should take is to assess the client's current pain level. By using a pain scale, the nurse can determine the intensity of the pain and evaluate the need for pain medication appropriately. The pain scale allows the client to express their pain on a standardized scale, helping the nurse to understand the severity of the pain and the most appropriate pain management intervention.

Choice B rationale: While diversional thoughts and non-pharmacological pain management techniques can be useful, the priority is to first assess the pain level and address the client's immediate needs for pain relief.

Choice C rationale: While it's important to consider the client's history of drug use, it is not the first action to take when a client requests pain medication. Assessing the pain level and providing appropriate pain relief should be the initial priority.

Choice D rationale: While it's essential to know the last dose of pain medication the client received, it is not the first action to take when the client is requesting pain medication. Assessing the current pain level and addressing the client's immediate needs should be the first step. The information about the last dose will be relevant for deciding when the next dose can be given.

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Correct Answer is D

No explanation

A. Administer both prescribed medications as scheduled. B. Hold both medications until contacting the healthcare provider. C. Hold the calcium carbonate, but administer the calcitriol as scheduled. D. Hold the, calcitriol but administer the calcium carbonate as scheduled.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale: This is not appropriate because the client's elevated calcium level requires immediate attention and further assessment by the healthcare provider before administering any medications that may further raise calcium levels.

Choice B rationale: The client's total calcium level is significantly elevated, which may indicate hypercalcemia. Given the reference range for total calcium in adults is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L), a calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is abnormally high. Both calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) and calcium carbonate (calcium supplement) can increase calcium levels in the body. Before administering any medication, the nurse should hold both calcitriol and calcium carbonate and notify the healthcare provider of the elevated calcium level. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate course of action and may adjust the dosage or temporarily discontinue the medications to prevent further complications related to hypercalcemia.

Choice C rationale: Holding calcium carbonate is a step in the right direction, but given the significant elevation of total calcium, it is best to hold both medications and consult the healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale: Holding calcitriol is a step in the right direction, but both medications should be held to prevent exacerbation of hypercalcemia until further instructions are received from the healthcare provider.

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A client in the surgical recovery area asks the nurse to bring the largest possible dose of pain medication available. Which action should the nurse implement first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After receiving five doses of filgrastim, the nurse notes that the client's white blood cell count has increased from 2,500/mm3 (2.5 x 109/L) to 5,000/mm3 (5 x 10°/L). Which action should the nurse implement? White Blood Cell (WBC) [Reference Range: 5000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 109/L)]

Correct Answer is D

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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