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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While adequate lighting is important for people with vision impairment, direct lighting from open window shades can create glare, which can make vision problems worse.
Choice B rationale
Facing the patient when speaking to them can help the patient use visual cues to better understand the conversation.
Choice C rationale
Using gestures can be helpful for some patients with vision impairment, but it may not be beneficial for a patient with moderate vision impairment who may not be able to see the gestures clearly.
Choice D rationale
Speaking loudly is not necessary for a patient with vision impairment unless they also have a hearing impairment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Eating food that is either very warm or very cold can trigger pain in individuals with trigeminal neuralgia. Therefore, if a client made this statement, it would indicate the need for further teaching.
Choice B rationale
Chewing on the unaffected side can help minimize episodes of pain in trigeminal neuralgia.
Choice C rationale
Rinsing the mouth if tooth brushing is too painful is a good strategy for managing trigeminal neuralgia.
Choice D rationale
Washing the face with cotton pads can help minimize episodes of pain in trigeminal neuralgia.
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.