A nurse is planning care for a client who has angina and a new prescription for nitroglycerin ointment. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Cover the administration area with plastic wrap.
Massage the ointment into the skin.
Spread the ointment in a 10 cm (4 in-) area.
Apply the ointment in a thick layer.
The Correct Answer is A
A. This helps to enhance absorption and prevent the ointment from being rubbed off onto clothing.
B. The ointment should not be massaged, as this can alter absorption and effectiveness.
C. The prescribed dose and area for nitroglycerin ointment application should be specific to the individual's prescription; a larger area is not necessary.
D. A thin layer is recommended to ensure accurate dosing and absorption.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Medications should be administered separately to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
B. This action helps prevent aspiration during medication administration but is not specific to enteral feeding tube administration.
C. Flushing the tube with normal saline helps ensure that the entire medication dose reaches the client and prevents tube blockage.
D. This action is not necessary and may disrupt the flow of the medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The nurse monitors the client for oversedation.
This is an appropriate action. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of oversedation, which is a potential risk with the use of PCA devices. Close monitoring ensures the client’s safety and helps prevent complications such as respiratory depression.
B. The nurse administers a PCA dose for the client.
This action requires intervention by the charge nurse. With a PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) device, the client is responsible for administering their own dose of medication. The nurse should not administer the dose for the client unless the PCA device is malfunctioning or the client is unable to operate it, in which case a provider's order for an alternative pain management strategy should be obtained. PCA devices are designed to allow the client to self-manage their pain while ensuring safety through preset limits.
C. The nurse asks the client to demonstrate dose delivery.
This is an appropriate action. The nurse should ensure that the client understands how to use the PCA device. Asking the client to demonstrate dose delivery helps verify their understanding of how to use the device safely and effectively.
D. The nurse reassures the client that the PCA device will not cause an overdose.
This is generally an appropriate reassurance, as modern PCA devices are programmed with safety features, including dose limits to prevent overdose. However, the nurse should still emphasize the importance of using the device according to instructions and being aware of any signs of overdose, as misuse could still occur.
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