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 ["2"]
Explanation
Let's calculate how many tablets the nurse should administer:
Dosage prescribed: The doctor prescribed digoxin 0.25 mg.
Tablet strength: Each available tablet contains 0.125 mg of digoxin.
To find out how many tablets are needed, we can divide the prescribed dosage by the amount of digoxin per tablet:
Number of tablets = Prescribed dosage / Amount of digoxin per tablet
Number of tablets = 0.25 mg / 0.125 mg/tablet
Since we might get a decimal result due to the division, we need to round to the nearest whole number of tablets the nurse can administer for safety reasons.
In this case, dividing 0.25 mg by 0.125 mg/tablet gives us 2.
Therefore, rounding up to the nearest whole number of tablets, the nurse should administer 2 tablets.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) Increased bowel sounds
At the end of life, decreased bowel sounds or even absent bowel sounds are more common due to reduced gastrointestinal activity as the body begins to shut down. Increased bowel sounds are not typically expected.
(B) Hypertension
Hypertension is not typically expected at the end of life. Instead, hypotension (low blood pressure) is more common as the heart and other systems begin to fail.
(C) Moist mucous membranes
At the end of life, mucous membranes are often dry due to decreased fluid intake and systemic dehydration. Moist mucous membranes would not be an expected finding.
(D) Mottled skin
Mottled skin is a common and expected finding at the end of life. It occurs as circulation diminishes and the skin takes on a blotchy, purplish appearance, typically starting in the extremities and moving centrally. This is a sign that the body is shutting down and approaching death.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.