A geriatric patient received a narcotic analgesic before leaving the post-anesthesia care unit to return to the regular unit.
What is the priority nursing action for the nurse receiving the patient on the regular unit?
Administer a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Put side rails up and place bed in the lowest position.
Encourage fluids.
Create a restful dark environment.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Administering a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not a priority action for a patient who has received a narcotic analgesic. The priority should be to ensure the patient’s safety and prevent falls, which can occur due to the sedative effects of narcotics.
Choice B rationale
Putting side rails up and placing the bed in the lowest position is essential for patient safety. Narcotics can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Ensuring the bed is in the lowest position and side rails are up helps prevent injury if the patient tries to get up.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging fluids is beneficial for many patients, but it is not the priority action when a patient has received a narcotic analgesic. Hydration is important but secondary to ensuring the patient’s immediate safety.
Choice D rationale
Creating a restful, dark environment may help the patient rest, but it does not directly address the immediate safety needs of a patient who has received a narcotic analgesic. The focus should be on preventing falls and injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Using an “ouch” scale, such as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, is appropriate for young children. It allows them to express their pain intensity in a way that is understandable and relatable to their age group.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging a six-year-old to request pain medication may not be effective, as they might not understand when they need it or might be reluctant to ask.
Choice C rationale
Waiting to administer pain medication until the child begins to cry can delay pain relief, leading to unnecessary discomfort and anxiety.
Choice D rationale
Asking a young child to rate their pain on a scale of 1 to 10 might be confusing and less effective than using a more child-friendly method like the “ouch” scale.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Thiazide diuretics do not block the sodium pump. They act primarily on the distal convoluted tubule in the kidneys.
Choice B rationale
Thiazide diuretics block the chloride pump in the distal convoluted tubule, preventing the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, leading to increased urine output and decreased blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Thiazide diuretics do not block the carbonic anhydrase pump. This action is associated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Choice D rationale
Thiazide diuretics do not block the potassium pump. They can cause potassium loss as a side effect, but this is not their primary mechanism of action.
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