A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following gynecologic surgery and reports incisional pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Ask the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10.
Reposition the client and offer her a back rub.
Determine the time the client last received pain medication.
Measure the client's vital signs, including temperature.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Ask the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10:
Assessing the client's pain intensity is the first essential step in managing postoperative pain. Understanding the severity of pain will guide the nurse in determining the appropriate intervention and whether immediate pain relief measures or further assessment are needed.
B) Reposition the client and offer her a back rub:
Repositioning and providing comfort measures like a back rub can help alleviate discomfort, but assessing the pain level first is crucial to prioritize interventions effectively.
C) Determine the time the client last received pain medication:
Knowing the timing of the last pain medication dose is important but assessing current pain intensity takes precedence to determine if the client needs immediate pain relief.
D) Measure the client's vital signs, including temperature:
While vital signs are important for overall assessment, addressing pain management and comfort should be the initial focus after the client reports incisional pain postoperatively.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "I will take the first tablet when the pain becomes severe.": This statement is incorrect because nitroglycerin should be taken at the onset of chest pain, not when it becomes severe. Early administration can help prevent the pain from worsening and reduce the risk of a heart attack. Waiting until the pain is severe may delay relief and increase the risk of serious complications.
B) "I will take no more than four tablets in 10 min.": This is incorrect as the standard protocol for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets typically involves taking one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three doses in 15 minutes, if needed. Taking four tablets in 10 minutes exceeds the recommended dosage and could lead to severe hypotension, dizziness, and fainting. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed limits to avoid these adverse effects.
C) "I will chew the tablet before swallowing.": This is incorrect because nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are designed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Chewing or swallowing the tablet would decrease its effectiveness and delay pain relief. The sublingual route allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and work quickly to relieve chest pain.
D) "I will dial 911 if one tablet does not relieve my pain.": This is the correct response. If chest pain is not relieved within 5 minutes after taking the first nitroglycerin tablet, it may indicate a more serious condition such as a heart attack. The client should call 911 to seek immediate medical assistance. Prompt action is critical in managing potential cardiac events and improving outcomes for the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Dyspnea:
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, primarily addresses allergic reactions associated with blood transfusions, such as urticaria (hives), rather than respiratory symptoms like dyspnea.
B) Fever:
While diphenhydramine may help alleviate some symptoms of an allergic reaction, its primary role in the context of blood transfusions is to mitigate hypersensitivity reactions like urticaria, not fever.
C) Low-back pain:
Low-back pain is not typically associated with allergic reactions to blood transfusions. Diphenhydramine is not indicated for preventing or managing this symptom.
D) Urticaria:
Diphenhydramine is administered to prevent or reduce symptoms of an allergic reaction to blood transfusions, such as urticaria (hives). It works by blocking histamine receptors, which are involved in allergic responses.
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