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:

Using heavy pressure on the cold pack for greater effectiveness is not the correct approach when applying a cold pack to an injured area. Applying excessive pressure can lead to tissue damage, frostbite, and can be uncomfortable for the patient. Cold packs should be applied with gentle, even pressure to avoid complications.

Choice B rationale:

Leaving the cold pack in place for over 30 minutes at a time is not recommended. Prolonged exposure to cold can also cause tissue damage, including frostbite. It is generally advised to limit cold pack applications to 20-30 minutes at a time to prevent complications.

Choice C rationale:

Preparing to apply heat instead if cold is not effective is not the appropriate action in this scenario. When a healthcare provider orders a cold pack application, it is essential to follow the prescribed treatment plan. Heat should only be considered if it is specifically ordered as an alternative treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Placing a towel between the pack and the skin is the correct approach to prevent patient injury when applying a cold pack. This helps to protect the skin from direct contact with the cold pack, reducing the risk of frostbite or cold-related injuries. It ensures a barrier between the cold pack and the patient's skin, providing a safe and comfortable application.

A. will awaken more often during the night but may nap more often during the day. B. should be given hypnotics to induce better sleep. C. needs at least 10 hours of sleep a day to prevent fatigue. D. requires less napping during the day to sleep better at night.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

True. As people age, it is common for them to experience more frequent awakenings during the night. This is often due to changes in sleep patterns, such as a decreased ability to maintain deep sleep, which can result in waking up more easily. Additionally, older adults may nap more during the day, which can affect their nighttime sleep patterns.

Choice B rationale:

False. Giving older adults hypnotics to induce better sleep is not a recommended approach as it may have adverse effects, including dependency and increased risk of falls. The focus should be on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of sleep disturbances in older adults.

Choice C rationale:

False. While it is important to assess and address sleep concerns in older adults, there is no fixed requirement of needing at least 10 hours of sleep a day to prevent fatigue. Sleep needs can vary, and older adults may require less sleep than younger individuals.

Choice D rationale:

False. Older adults may nap more during the day, but reducing daytime napping is not a guaranteed solution to improve nighttime sleep. Sleep patterns can change with age, and individual variations in sleep needs and habits should be considered.

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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

A nurse caring for a patient who suffered a severe sprain and has an order for a cold pack application to the injured area would prevent patient injury by:.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A relative complains that an older adult patient takes frequent naps late in the day and awakens frequently during the night and wants to know if this is normal. The nurse explains that an older adult:.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse takes into consideration the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) standards for pain assessment and treatment. Include:.

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The nurse assesses a patient's sleep for NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep because this sleep has the characteristics of:.

A natural supplement that can enhance sleep for many people is:.

A patient is beginning treatment for pain with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit.The nurse will initially:.

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?