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) Diarrhea: Diarrhea is typically associated with gastrointestinal disorders. It involves frequent loose or watery stools, which is not a symptom of respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that affects the respiratory system, causing an increase in the rate or depth of respiration, leading to a decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood.
(B) Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation is indeed a common finding in respiratory alkalosis. When a person hyperventilates, they breathe out more carbon dioxide than their body produces. This lowers the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to a rise in blood pH and causing the blood to become more alkaline - a state known as alkalosis.
(C) Dry skin: Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. It’s more common in conditions like dehydration or skin disorders. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that affects the respiratory system and the balance of acids and bases in the blood, not the skin.
(D) Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. It’s more common in gastrointestinal disorders. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that affects the respiratory system and the balance of acids and bases in the blood, not the digestive system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) Metabolic alkalosis: This condition is characterized by a high blood pH (>7.45) and a high bicarbonate level (>26 mEq/L). The client’s pH and bicarbonate levels are both lower than normal, which rules out metabolic alkalosis.
(B) Respiratory acidosis: This condition is characterized by a low blood pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 level (>45 mm Hg). Although the client’s pH is low, the PaCO2 level is also low, which rules out respiratory acidosis.
(c) Respiratory alkalosis: This condition is characterized by a high blood pH (>7.45) and a low PaCO2 level (<35 mm Hg). The client’s pH is low, which rules out respiratory alkalosis.
(D) Metabolic acidosis: This condition is characterized by a low blood pH (<7.35) and a low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L). The client’s pH is 7.26 and bicarbonate level is 14 mEq/L, both of which are lower than normal. This indicates metabolic acidosis, which is common in clients with acute kidney injury as the kidneys are unable to excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate. Therefore, the nurse should identify that the client is experiencing metabolic acidosis.
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