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 D
Explanation
(A) Encourage the client to increase participation in community social activities: While social activities can be beneficial for mental health, a client at the end of life may not have the physical strength or energy to participate in community social activities. Moreover, due to the compromised immune system in HIV, exposure to large groups could increase the risk of infections.
(B) Prepare the client to begin highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): HAART is typically initiated in the early stages of HIV infection to slow the progression of the disease. In a client who has had HIV for 10 years and is at the end of life, the focus would likely be on palliative care and symptom management rather than starting aggressive therapy.
(c) Promote client weight gain of one to two pounds per week: Weight gain might not be a realistic goal for a client at the end of life. Instead, maintaining a balanced diet to prevent malnutrition and managing symptoms like nausea and loss of appetite would be more appropriate.
(D) Provide routine analgesia to minimize episodes of breakthrough pain: This is the most appropriate intervention. Pain management is a critical aspect of end-of-life care. Providing routine analgesia can help ensure the client’s comfort and improve their quality of life. Breakthrough pain can be very distressing for the client, and managing it effectively can significantly enhance their well-being.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increase in postoperative pain: Preoperative teaching typically includes information about pain management strategies, which should help to reduce, not increase, postoperative pain.
B. Reduced postoperative anxiety: This is correct. One of the key benefits of preoperative education is reduced anxiety. By understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery, patients are often less anxious about the procedure.
C. Reduced postoperative respiratory function: Preoperative teaching usually includes instructions on deep breathing and coughing exercises to help prevent respiratory complications after surgery. Therefore, it should improve, not reduce, postoperative respiratory function.
D. Increased length of postoperative care in the health care facility: Preoperative education has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay. By better understanding their surgery and postoperative care, patients are often able to recover more quickly and leave the hospital sooner
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