A nurse is preparing a patient for home care following cancer treatment.
He is discussing the use of the fentanyl patch.
Which of the following would be the most important instruction regarding safety?
Store fentanyl patches in a locked cabinet.
Prepare the skin by cleaning it with an antiseptic scrub solution.
Apply as directed by the primary care provider.
Use as needed for breakthrough pain.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
The most crucial instruction regarding the safety of fentanyl patches is to apply them as directed by the primary care provider. Fentanyl is a potent opioid medication, and its misuse or improper application can lead to serious health risks, including overdose. Therefore, following the prescriber's instructions is of utmost importance to ensure the patient's safety.
Choice A rationale:
Storing fentanyl patches in a locked cabinet is a good practice to prevent unauthorized access and to keep them out of reach of children or individuals who should not have access to the medication. However, it is not the most critical safety instruction. Proper application and usage are more important.
Choice B rationale:
While preparing the skin by cleaning with an antiseptic scrub solution is a necessary step when applying a transdermal medication like a fentanyl patch, it is not the most critical safety instruction. It is a standard part of the application process but does not address the overarching safety concerns related to fentanyl use.
Choice D rationale:
Using fentanyl patches as needed for breakthrough pain without clear guidance from a healthcare provider is not a safe practice. Fentanyl is a potent medication with a high risk of overdose, and its use should always be closely monitored and directed by a healthcare professional. Self-adjusting the dosage without medical supervision can lead to serious safety issues.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Excessive NREM sleep does not cause periodic pauses in breathing. NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep consists of stages 1 through 4 and is characterized by a decrease in physiological activity, including a decrease in muscle tone. There is no direct association with breathing interruptions in NREM sleep.
Choice B rationale:
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, but it does not involve periodic pauses in breathing. It is unrelated to the symptoms described in the question.
Choice C rationale:
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy). It is not associated with periodic pauses in breathing, as described in the question.
Choice D rationale:
Sleep apnea is the correct answer. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of paused or shallow breathing during sleep. The patient may stop breathing for brief periods, then start breathing again. This pattern is consistent with the symptoms described in the question. Sleep apnea can have serious health implications and is important to recognize and address.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A patient with a decreased level of consciousness from a stroke may not be able to provide feedback or recognize discomfort or pain, which can increase the risk of burn injury when using a heating pad. This choice increases the risk rather than reducing it.
Choice B rationale:
A patient with neuritis secondary to diabetes has a decreased sensitivity in the affected area due to nerve damage. While this can be a challenging condition, it reduces the patient's ability to perceive heat and pain, making them less likely to realize if the heating pad becomes too hot. As a result, this patient has the least risk for burn injury when using the Aquathermia K pad.
Choice C rationale:
A severely sprained ankle is not related to the risk of burn injury from a heating pad. This choice is not relevant to the assessment of burn injury risk with the Aquathermia K pad.
Choice D rationale:
Impaired peripheral circulation can increase the risk of burn injury from a heating pad. Patients with compromised circulation have a reduced ability to dissipate heat, which can lead to localized overheating and potential burn injury. This choice increases the risk of injury. .
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