A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who is receiving pain medication by the epidural route.
It is most important to monitor this patient for which adverse drug effects?

Constipation.

Hypoventilation.

Nausea.

Headache.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Constipation is not a common adverse effect of pain medication administered by the epidural route. Pain medication primarily affects the central nervous system and does not typically impact the gastrointestinal system in a way that would lead to constipation.

Choice B rationale:

Hypoventilation is the correct answer. When opioids or other potent pain medications are administered by the epidural route, they can depress the respiratory center in the brain, leading to hypoventilation (slow or inadequate breathing). This is a critical concern and the most important adverse effect to monitor because it can lead to respiratory compromise or even respiratory arrest.

Choice C rationale:

Nausea can be a side effect of some pain medications, but it is not the most important adverse effect to monitor in a patient receiving epidural pain medication. Nausea can often be managed with antiemetic medications.

Choice D rationale:

Headache is not a common adverse effect of epidural pain medication. The administration of pain medication into the epidural space is localized to the spinal area and does not typically lead to headaches.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Asking the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0-10 is a good initial response to assess the severity of pain. However, it should be followed by a more comprehensive assessment, which may include addressing the patient's concern about pain in the removed limb and providing appropriate interventions.

Choice B rationale:

Telling the patient that it is not possible to experience pain because the limb and nerves were removed is inaccurate and insensitive. This response does not address the patient's reported pain and may be perceived as dismissive.

Choice C rationale:

Telling the patient that they are not experiencing pain is both inaccurate and dismissive of the patient's reported pain. This response does not demonstrate empathy or a patient-centered approach to care.

Choice D rationale:

"I understand you are in pain, please rate your pain on a scale of 0-10, and I will get a mirror to assess the area" is the best response. This response acknowledges the patient's pain, uses a pain assessment scale to quantify the pain, and offers a solution to assess the area with a mirror. It demonstrates empathy and a proactive approach to addressing the patient's concern. .

A. The client has an elevated blood pressure. B. The client is asleep. C. The client has an increased respiratory rate. D. The client is diaphoretic.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

An elevated blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of a decrease in pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, and it may not directly correlate with the relief of pain.

Choice B rationale:

The client being asleep is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. While opioids may cause drowsiness as a side effect, the absence of pain cannot be confirmed solely based on the patient's sleep state.

Choice C rationale:

An increased respiratory rate can be a reliable indicator of decreased pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Opioids often cause respiratory depression, so an increased respiratory rate may suggest that the patient's pain is adequately managed, as they are not experiencing excessive respiratory depression.

Choice D rationale:

Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. Diaphoresis can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, and may not specifically reflect pain relief. .

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A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who is receiving pain medication by the epidural route.It is most important to monitor this patient for which adverse drug effects?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who is receiving pain medication by the epidural route.
It is most important to monitor this patient for which adverse drug effects?