A hospice nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and reports severe pain. After the nurse administers the prescribed opioid and benzodiazepine, the client becomes somnolent and difficult to arouse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer the benzodiazepine but withhold the opioid.
Continue the medication dosages that relieve the client's pain.
Contact the provider about replacing the opioid with an NSAID.
Withhold the benzodiazepine but continue the opioid.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Withholding the opioid may lead to inadequate pain relief, which isn't the best approach, especially in a terminally ill patient experiencing severe pain.
B. Continuing the medication dosages that relieve pain is important for the client's comfort, even if it causes somnolence.
C. Contacting the provider to consider an NSAID might be an option, but immediate relief should not be compromised while awaiting a change in medication.
D. Withholding the benzodiazepine might be considered if the sedation is excessive, but prioritizing pain relief is crucial in end-of-life care unless there are severe adverse effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Reviewing facility policies is important but might not immediately address the reasons why the nurses are not taking breaks.
B. Discussing time management strategies might be helpful, but it's crucial to first understand the reasons behind the nurses' behavior.
C. Providing coverage for the nurses' breaks might be a short-term solution but doesn't address the underlying reasons for not taking breaks.
D. Determining the reasons the nurses are not taking scheduled breaks is the initial step to understand if it's due to workload, personal choice, or other factors. This information can guide appropriate interventions or support for the nurses.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Accompanying a client to physical therapy is a task that can be appropriately delegated to an AP, as it does not require clinical judgment or advanced nursing knowledge. This task does not require the skills of an LPN.
B. Reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has heart disease is within the scope of practice for an LPN. LPNs can reinforce teaching that has already been initiated by the registered nurse (RN). This task involves some level of knowledge and skill but does not require independent clinical judgment, making it suitable for the LPN.
C. Obtaining a urine specimen from an older adult client is a task that can be delegated to an AP, as it is a routine procedure that does not require nursing assessment or decision-making. This task does not require the skills of an LPN.
D. Providing postmortem care for a client who has just died is a task that can be appropriately delegated to an AP. This task involves following established protocols and does not require clinical judgment or advanced nursing skills. It is not necessary to assign this task to an LPN.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.