A nurse is caring for a client who is using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump for postoperative pain management.
The nurse enters the room to find the client asleep and his partner pressing the button to dispense a dose of analgesia.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Your husband should decide when more medication is needed.”.
"Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?".
"It's a good idea to help make sure your husband can sleep comfortably.”.
"Next time you think he needs more medication, call me and I'll push the button.”.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. "Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?"
Choice A rationale:
"Your husband should decide when more medication is needed.” This response is incorrect because it implies that the partner has the authority to decide when the client needs pain medication, which violates the purpose of a PCA pump. A PCA pump is specifically designed for client-controlled pain management, ensuring that the patient, not anyone else, controls when they receive pain medication. Allowing someone else to press the button can lead to overmedication and safety risks.
Choice B rationale:
"Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?" This response is correct because it prompts the partner to reflect on their actions and provides an opportunity for the nurse to educate about the proper use of PCA pumps. It addresses the immediate issue without being confrontational and opens the door for further discussion on the importance of client safety and correct PCA use.
Choice C rationale:
"It's a good idea to help make sure your husband can sleep comfortably.” This response is incorrect as it endorses inappropriate and unsafe behavior. It encourages the partner to continue pressing the PCA button, risking the client's safety due to potential overmedication, which can lead to severe complications, such as respiratory depression.
Choice D rationale:
"Next time you think he needs more medication, call me and I'll push the button.” This response is incorrect because it contradicts PCA protocols and removes the control from the client. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client’s pain and safety, not administering medication upon another person’s request. This approach also increases the risk of dosing errors and undermines the purpose of patient-controlled analgesia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The primary care provider (PCP) is responsible for prescribing the PCA but does not typically program the PCA pump. The PCP may set the initial parameters for the PCA, such as the dose and lockout interval, but the actual programming and operation of the PCA pump is typically carried out by the nursing staff.
Choice B rationale:
Pharmaceutical companies manufacture and provide medications, including the medications used in PCA, but they do not program PCA pumps. Programming and administration of the PCA are nursing responsibilities.
Choice D rationale:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) can assist in the administration and monitoring of PCA, but they do not typically program the PCA pump. Registered nurses are usually responsible for the programming and operation of PCA pumps.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
True. As people age, it is common for them to experience more frequent awakenings during the night. This is often due to changes in sleep patterns, such as a decreased ability to maintain deep sleep, which can result in waking up more easily. Additionally, older adults may nap more during the day, which can affect their nighttime sleep patterns.
Choice B rationale:
False. Giving older adults hypnotics to induce better sleep is not a recommended approach as it may have adverse effects, including dependency and increased risk of falls. The focus should be on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of sleep disturbances in older adults.
Choice C rationale:
False. While it is important to assess and address sleep concerns in older adults, there is no fixed requirement of needing at least 10 hours of sleep a day to prevent fatigue. Sleep needs can vary, and older adults may require less sleep than younger individuals.
Choice D rationale:
False. Older adults may nap more during the day, but reducing daytime napping is not a guaranteed solution to improve nighttime sleep. Sleep patterns can change with age, and individual variations in sleep needs and habits should be considered.
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