A nurse is caring for a client who is at the end of life. The client's partner is concerned about using opioid narcotics to manage the client's pain. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"Opioid narcotics are restricted for the client because of the risk for addiction."
"Using opioid narcotics will limit options available for future management of pain."
"The use of opioid narcotics is restricted to when death is imminent
"The dosage of the opioid narcotic is unlimited."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "Opioid narcotics are restricted for the client because of the risk for addiction":
This statement is not accurate and may contribute to unnecessary fear or misunderstanding about opioid use. While there is a risk of opioid addiction, it is generally low when opioids are used appropriately for pain management, especially in end-of-life care settings where the focus is on comfort and symptom management.
B. "Using opioid narcotics will limit options available for future management of pain":
This statement is misleading and may cause unnecessary concern. In end-of-life care, the priority is to provide effective pain relief and maximize comfort for the client. Opioid narcotics are an essential component of pain management in palliative and hospice care and do not necessarily limit future pain management options.
C. "The use of opioid narcotics is restricted to when death is imminent":
This statement is not accurate. Opioid narcotics can be used for pain management at various stages of illness, including but not limited to end-of-life care. While opioids are commonly used in palliative and hospice care settings, they may also be indicated for pain management in other clinical contexts.
D. "The dosage of the opioid narcotic is unlimited":
This statement is the most appropriate response. In end-of-life care, the goal of pain management is to relieve suffering and maximize comfort. Opioid dosages are titrated based on the client's pain intensity and response, and there is no strict limit to the dosage if needed to achieve adequate pain control. The priority is to ensure that the client is comfortable and free from pain as much as possible, even if higher doses of opioids are required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diltiazem: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders. However, it can further lower the heart rate, which is not desirable in this case as the client’s heart rate is already low.
B. Atropine: This is correct. Atropine is often used to treat bradycardia (low heart rate). It works by blocking the action of the vagus nerve on the heart, which increases the heart rate.
C. Digoxin: Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation1. However, one of its side effects is that it can lower the heart rate, so it would not be appropriate to give to a client who already has a low heart rate.
D. Carvedilol: Carvedilol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure1. Like other beta-blockers, it can lower the heart rate, so it would not be appropriate to give to a client who already has a low heart rate.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
(A) Correctly identify clients prior to administering medications: This is a key goal of the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs). Correctly identifying patients before administering medications helps to prevent medication errors and ensures patient safety.
(B) Educate clients about health promotion and prevention: While this is an important aspect of nursing care, it is not specifically listed as a National Patient Safety Goal.
(c) Prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in clients: Preventing healthcare-associated infections, including catheter-associated urinary tract infections, is a major focus of the NPSGs.
(D) Improve communication among staff members: Effective communication among healthcare providers is crucial for patient safety and is a key goal of the NPSGs.
(E) Increase job satisfaction for staff members: While job satisfaction can indirectly impact patient safety, it is not a specific goal of the NPSGs. The NPSGs are primarily focused on direct measures to improve patient safety.
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