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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Increasing fluid intake can help alleviate constipation. Fluids can soften stool, making it easier to pass.
Choice B rationale
A low-fiber diet can actually contribute to constipation. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps it move more quickly through the intestines.
Choice C rationale
While mineral oil can sometimes be used to relieve constipation, it is not typically the first intervention chosen. It can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients and medications.
Choice D rationale
Cold fluids do not have a significant effect on constipation. While staying hydrated is important, the temperature of the fluids is not typically a factor in constipation.

A. Slow capillary refill B. Ringing in the ears C. Cold hands and feet D. Mottled and blotchy skin, especially on the hands, feet, and knees

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Slow capillary refill is a sign that the body is not circulating blood as effectively as it should be. This can be a sign that a person is actively dying.
Choice B rationale
Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is not typically a sign that a person is actively dying. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and some health conditions.
Choice C rationale
Cold hands and feet can be a sign that a person is actively dying. As the body’s systems start to shut down, blood flow to the extremities can decrease, causing them to feel cold.
Choice D rationale
Mottled and blotchy skin, especially on the hands, feet, and knees, can be a sign that a person is actively dying. This is caused by reduced blood flow to the skin.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient who is on bed rest and is experiencing constipation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Select physical signs you may see in a patient who is actively dying.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to move a patient with left-sided weakness from a seated position in bed to a chair. What actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is assessing a patient who is in the active stage of dying. What are the signs and symptoms of impending death? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is instructing a newly licensed nurse about age-related changes to vision in older adult patients. Which of the following should the nurse include as an example of an expected age-related change?

A nurse is educating a group of senior citizens about the physiological changes that occur with aging. Which of the following changes should the nurse include in the discussion? (Select all that apply.)

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.

The patient with glaucoma is usually started on the lowest dose of medication. Which of the following is the preferred initial ophthalmic medication?

A nurse is setting goals for a patient who has Stage 4 Breast cancer, is in hospice care, and is at the end of life. Which of the following are realistic goals?