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 C

Explanation

a) Assess the client for side effects of carbamazepine:

This option might seem reasonable as monitoring for side effects is essential with any medication, especially one with a narrow therapeutic range like carbamazepine. However, the client's level of 8.4 mcg/L is within the therapeutic range (4 to 12 mcg/mL), so there's no immediate indication that side effects are likely to occur solely based on this level.

b) Notify the healthcare provider of the carbamazepine level:

While it's important to keep the healthcare provider informed about the client's condition, in this case, the carbamazepine level is within the therapeutic range. There's no urgent need to notify the provider unless there are other concerning factors not mentioned in the scenario.

c) Administer the carbamazepine as prescribed:

This is the correct answer. The client's morning carbamazepine level of 8.4 mcg/L falls within the therapeutic range (4 to 12 mcg/mL). Therefore, the evening dose should be administered as prescribed to maintain therapeutic levels and control the client's condition.

d) Withhold this dose of the carbamazepine:

Withholding the dose based solely on the morning carbamazepine level of 8.4 mcg/L, which is within the therapeutic range, would not be appropriate. Withholding the dose without consulting the healthcare provider could potentially lead to suboptimal management of the client's condition.

A. Crush and mix the tablets with pudding if you have trouble swallowing the tablets. B. Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to relieve mild joint aches and pains caused by the medication. C. Report any tendon pain or swelling to the healthcare provider immediately. D. Increase fluid intake while taking the medication.

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Crushing ciprofloxacin tablets may interfere with their efficacy, and it is generally not recommended to alter the dosage form without consulting a healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale: Ciprofloxacin may cause joint aches and pains, but using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is generally not advised as they can interact with the medication and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Choice C rationale: Ciprofloxacin is associated with the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture. Therefore, any tendon pain or swelling should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale: Increasing fluid intake while taking ciprofloxacin can help prevent crystalluria, a potential side effect of the medication.
Choice E rationale: Ciprofloxacin can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to an increased risk of sunburn. Patients should limit exposure to sunlight and avoid tanning beds while taking this medication.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Prior to administering the evening dose of carbamazepine, the nurse notes that the client's morning carbamazepine level was 8.4 mcg/L (35.6 mcmol/L). Which action should the nurse take? Carbamazepine level [Reference Range: 4 to 12 mcg/mL or 16.9 to 50.8 mcmol/L]

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for a client who is taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, which were prescribed because of a suspected anthrax exposure. Which instruction(s) should be included in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

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