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 B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Decreased respirations and a rapid heart rate are not indicative of stage 3 of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. In stage 3, respirations are typically slow and regular, and the heart rate is slower than during wakefulness.

Choice B rationale:

Rapid respirations and a rapid heart rate are indicative of stage 3 of NREM sleep. During this stage, respiration and heart rate are more irregular compared to the earlier stages of sleep. This stage is characterized by increased physiological arousal compared to stages 1 and 2.

Choice C rationale:

Rapid respirations and a slow heart rate do not represent stage 3 of NREM sleep. In this stage, respiration tends to be rapid, and the heart rate, while slower than during wakefulness, is not slow.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased respirations and a slow heart rate are not consistent with stage 3 of NREM sleep. This stage is associated with more active and variable physiological processes, including rapid respirations and a relatively higher heart rate compared to later sleep stages.

A. Keep bright lights on in the room. B. Use this technique as a way to wake up in the morning. C. Tense and relax individual muscle groups, starting with the toes and feet. D. Try to tense and relax all of the muscles of the body at the same time.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Keeping bright lights on in the room is not conducive to relaxation. Bright lights can be stimulating and may increase stress, which is counterproductive when trying to manage pain through relaxation techniques.

Choice B rationale:

Using relaxation techniques as a way to wake up in the morning is not the intended purpose of these techniques. Relaxation techniques are typically used to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, especially when one is trying to rest or sleep.

Choice C rationale:

Tensing and relaxing individual muscle groups, starting with the toes and feet, is a common method for progressive muscle relaxation. This technique can help reduce muscle tension and promote overall relaxation. It is an effective approach to pain management.

Choice D rationale:

Trying to tense and relax all of the muscles of the body at the same time may be difficult for most individuals and is not a commonly recommended relaxation technique. It can be challenging to achieve the level of focus and control required for this method, and it may not be as effective as focusing on individual muscle groups.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

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?