A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a hemicolectomy. Which of the following is a subjective indication that the client needs PRN pain medication?

d. Observe the client for 1 hr after meals.

Explanation:

The correct answer is d. Observe the client for 1 hr after meals.

For a client with bulimia nervosa, it is important to closely monitor their behavior after meals to prevent purging behaviors and ensure their safety. Observing the client for 1 hour after meals allows the nurse to provide support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and intervene if necessary to prevent purging episodes.

Option a, administering bupropion 1 hour before meals, is not an appropriate intervention for bulimia nervosa. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that may be used for certain mood disorders, but it is not the primary treatment for bulimia nervosa.

Option b, allowing the client access to food throughout the day, is not a recommended intervention for a client with bulimia nervosa. Clients with bulimia nervosa often struggle with impulse control and binge eating behaviors. Allowing unrestricted access to food may exacerbate their symptoms and increase the risk of binge-purge cycles.

Option c, weighing the client once weekly, is not the most appropriate intervention for managing bulimia nervosa. While weight monitoring may be a component of treatment, it should not be the sole focus. The treatment for bulimia nervosa involves addressing the underlying psychological and behavioral factors contributing to the disorder.

By recommending the observation of the client for 1 hour after meals, the nurse can provide necessary support, monitor the client for potential purging behaviors, and promote a safe and therapeutic environment for their recovery from bulimia nervosa.

a. "The machine is programmed to prevent you from administering more than a safe dose."

When reinforcing teaching about epidural PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) with a client in active labor, it is important for the nurse to inform the client about the safety features of the machine. By explaining that the machine is programmed to prevent the client from administering more than a safe dose, the nurse reassures the client that they have control over their pain relief while minimizing the risk of overdose.

Option b, "During medication administration, you will not be able to move your legs freely," is not an accurate statement regarding epidural PCA. While epidural analgesia may cause temporary weakness or loss of sensation in the lower body, the ability to move the legs freely is not necessarily completely impaired. The degree of mobility can vary depending on the dosage and specific characteristics of the epidural.

Option c, "This method of pain control will shorten the second stage of labor," is not a valid statement. Epidural PCA is primarily used for pain relief during labor and delivery but does not directly affect the progression or duration of the second stage of labor, which involves pushing and the delivery of the baby.

Option d, "This type of anesthesia commonly causes a postpartum headache," is also incorrect. While headaches can occur as a potential side effect of epidural anesthesia, they are not specifically associated with epidural PCA. Postpartum headaches can have various causes and are not exclusively related to the use of epidural PCA.

By emphasizing the safety features of the machine and explaining that it prevents the administration of excessive doses, the nurse ensures that the client understands the appropriate use of the epidural PCA for pain control during labor.