A hospice nurse is caring for a patient who has terminal cancer and is receiving hospice care for stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
The patient experiences excruciating pain and is scheduled for morphine 10mg IM every 6 hours. The patient is sleeping, and the medication is due.

What action should the nurse take?

Hold the pain medication until the patient wakes up.

The patient should be given the scheduled pain medication.

Call the family and ask if the patient would like to be woken up to have their pain medication.

The patient has become addicted to the medication and is sleeping the last dose off.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
Holding the pain medication until the patient wakes up is not the best choice. Pain can disrupt sleep, and it’s important to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. If the patient is sleeping, it may be because the pain is well-controlled, and delaying the medication could lead to a return of pain.
Choice B rationale
The patient should be given the scheduled pain medication. This is the best choice because it ensures that the patient’s pain is managed effectively. Even if the patient is sleeping, the medication should be given to prevent the pain from returning.
Choice C rationale
Calling the family and asking if the patient would like to be woken up to have their pain medication is not the best choice. The nurse should make this decision based on the patient’s pain level and the medication schedule, not on the family’s preferences.
Choice D rationale
The statement that the patient has become addicted to the medication and is sleeping the last dose off is not accurate. Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. In this case, the patient is receiving the medication for a legitimate medical reason, and there is no indication of addiction.

Nursing Test Bank

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Minimal assistance implies that the patient needs some help but can do most of the task on their own. In this case, the patient is able to stand up from a seated position using a cane for support, which suggests that they do not need assistance.
Choice B rationale
Moderate assistance implies that the patient needs more help to perform the task. The patient in the scenario is able to perform the task independently with the help of a cane.
Choice C rationale
No assistance means that the patient can perform the task independently. This is the most fitting answer because the patient is able to stand up from a seated position using a cane for support.
Choice D rationale
Maximum assistance implies that the patient is unable to perform the task without substantial help. This does not apply to the patient in the scenario as they are able to stand up independently with the help of a cane.

A. Ampicillin B. Cyclosporine C. Medication C D. Medication D

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is a severe condition that requires immediate treatment. The most common medication used for this condition is acyclovir, which is administered intravenously. Acyclovir works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the infection.
Choice B rationale
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medication that is often used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. It is not typically used in the treatment of viral infections such as herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
Choice C rationale
Without specific information about “Medication C”, it’s difficult to provide a rationale.
However, it’s important to note that the treatment of herpes simplex virus encephalitis typically involves antiviral medications, with acyclovir being the most commonly used.
Choice D rationale
Similar to Choice C, without specific information about “Medication D”, providing a rationale is challenging. As mentioned, the standard treatment for herpes simplex virus encephalitis is acyclovir.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is conducting a mobility assessment on a patient. The patient can stand up from a seated position using a cane for support. Which of the following activity levels should the nurse assign to the patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is admitting a client diagnosed with herpes simplex virus encephalitis. Which medication would the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider to order for treatment?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse overhears two assistive personnel (APs) disagreeing about patient care assignments. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates conflict resolution?

While assessing the breath sounds of a client with Parkinson’s disease, a nurse hears adventitious sounds. How should the client’s nutritional needs be met?

A nurse is reviewing a fall risk assessment for a client. Which of the following findings place the client at risk for a fall? Select all that apply.

A nurse is teaching a class about stress. The nurse should include that which of the following is an example of chronic stress?

a nurse is teaching a class about physical manifestations associated with the fight-or-flight response to stress. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include?

A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about risk factors for developing a stroke. Which non-modifiable risk factors should the nurse include in the teaching?

a nurse is ordering equipment for a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following equipment should the nurse identify as being ergonomic? (Select all that apply)