A nurse is collecting data from a client who received IV morphine for postoperative pain. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
The client's blood pressure has been reduced.
The client exhibits diaphoresis
The client is not grimacing
The client has an elevated heart rate
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: (C) The client is not grimacing
Rationale:
A) The client's blood pressure has been reduced:
While morphine can lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects, a reduction in blood pressure is not necessarily a primary indicator of a therapeutic response to pain relief. It is more important to assess pain relief directly through the client's subjective experience and behavior rather than focusing on vital signs alone.
B) The client exhibits diaphoresis:
Diaphoresis, or sweating, can occur as a side effect of morphine administration but does not indicate that the medication is effectively relieving pain. In fact, diaphoresis might signal an adverse reaction or discomfort rather than a therapeutic effect.
C) The client is not grimacing:
The absence of grimacing suggests that the client's pain has decreased, which is a direct indicator of a therapeutic response to morphine. Observing a reduction in pain-related behaviors, such as grimacing, is a key assessment for determining the effectiveness of pain management in postoperative clients.
D) The client has an elevated heart rate:
An elevated heart rate may be a sign of unresolved pain or a side effect of morphine but is not a clear indicator of pain relief. Effective pain management with morphine typically results in a decrease in sympathetic nervous system responses, such as a high heart rate, rather than an increase.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The initial diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is indicated for a 2-month-old infant. The DTaP vaccine is typically administered as a series of doses starting in infancy to provide protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
The recommended schedule for the DTaP vaccine includes a series of doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with additional booster doses given later in childhood. Therefore, the first dose of DTaP is given to infants at 2 months of age.
The other options are incorrect because:
b) A 4-month-old infant: By 4 months of age, the second dose of the DTaP vaccine should be administered, not the initial dose.
c) A 6-month-old infant: By 6 months of age, the third dose of the DTaP vaccine should be administered, not the initial dose.
d) A 15-month-old toddler: By 15 months of age, the toddler would have already received multiple doses of the DTaP vaccine as part of the recommended series. The initial dose is typically given earlier, at 2 months of age.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The statement by the client that indicates an understanding of the teaching is "I plan to take water aerobics classes at the gym near my house." Exercise is an important part of managing osteoarthritis, and water aerobics is a low-impact exercise that can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
Option ais incorrect because applying cold compresses may not be the most effective way to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis. Heat therapy is often more effective for this condition.
Option b is incorrect because limiting purine intake in the diet is recommended for clients with gout, not osteoarthritis.
Option d is incorrect because ibuprofen can be an effective pain reliever for clients with osteoarthritis.

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