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
Barrier contraceptives are recommended for women taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors due to the potential teratogenic effects of these drugs. This precaution is crucial as these medications can cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
While ophthalmic examinations may be important for other medications, they are not a primary concern for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. These drugs mainly affect cholesterol synthesis and have less direct impact on vision.
Choice C rationale
Although a cholesterol-lowering diet is beneficial, it is not the primary teaching point when discussing HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The emphasis should be on medication adherence and managing potential adverse effects.
Choice D rationale
Reporting respiratory symptoms is important for many medications but is not the primary focus for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The priority is to inform patients about the importance of contraception and potential side effects related to the medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Narcotic agents are commonly prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain.
Choice B rationale
Narcotic agents are not typically used for minor pain due to the risk of dependency and side effects.
Choice C rationale
Analgesia during sleep is not a usual indication for narcotics as their primary use is for pain relief.
Choice D rationale
Narcotics may be used during anesthesia, but the primary reason is pain relief. .
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