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
Assessing pulses and blood pressure is crucial before administering an antiarrhythmic agent because these drugs can affect heart rate and blood pressure, requiring close monitoring to prevent adverse effects.
Choice B rationale
While assessing breath sounds is important in overall patient care, it is not the priority before administering antiarrhythmic agents as these drugs primarily affect the cardiovascular system.
Choice C rationale
Assessing mental status is important in patient care, but it is not the priority before administering an antiarrhythmic agent, as these medications primarily influence cardiovascular parameters.
Choice D rationale
Assessing urine output is vital for monitoring kidney function and fluid balance, but it is not the priority before administering an antiarrhythmic agent, which mainly affects heart rhythm and blood pressure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs affect the body, including the mechanisms of action and the relationship between drug concentration and effect. It does not describe the actions of the nurses in this context.
Choice B rationale
Pharmacotherapeutics involves the use of drugs to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. The actions of the nurses in administering iodine, chemotherapy, and vaccines are examples of pharmacotherapeutics, as they are using drugs for therapeutic purposes.
Choice C rationale
Pharmacoeconomics is the study of the cost and value of drugs and therapies. It does not describe the actions of the nurses in administering medications.
Choice D rationale
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs. It does not describe the actions of the nurses in this context.
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