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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period, typically more than 3-6 months, and is often associated with conditions like arthritis. Severe arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, as it persists over a long duration.
Choice B rationale:
Episodic pain refers to pain that occurs intermittently, with pain-free intervals in between. This term is not appropriate for describing the continuous discomfort associated with severe arthritis.
Choice C rationale:
Phantom pain is the sensation of pain in a body part that has been amputated or lost, which is not relevant to a patient with severe arthritis.
Choice D rationale:
Acute pain is typically short-term and results from a specific injury or illness. It is not the appropriate term for describing the long-lasting pain associated with severe arthritis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) is commonly used to assess pain in newborns and infants. It evaluates multiple indicators of pain, including facial expression, crying, breathing patterns, and arms and legs' movements, to determine if a baby is in pain.
Choice B rationale:
The FACES pain rating scale for children is not typically used for infants, as it relies on a child's ability to point to or describe their pain using facial expressions.
Choice C rationale:
The Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) Scale is used primarily for preterm infants and not typically for all newborns. It is more specific to certain populations.
Choice D rationale:
The FLACC Scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is used for assessing pain in young children who may not be able to self-report. It's not specific to infants, and the NIPS is more appropriate for this population.
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