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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An elevated blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of a decrease in pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, and it may not directly correlate with the relief of pain.
Choice B rationale:
The client being asleep is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. While opioids may cause drowsiness as a side effect, the absence of pain cannot be confirmed solely based on the patient's sleep state.
Choice C rationale:
An increased respiratory rate can be a reliable indicator of decreased pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Opioids often cause respiratory depression, so an increased respiratory rate may suggest that the patient's pain is adequately managed, as they are not experiencing excessive respiratory depression.
Choice D rationale:
Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. Diaphoresis can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, and may not specifically reflect pain relief. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period, typically more than 3-6 months, and is often associated with conditions like arthritis. Severe arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain, as it persists over a long duration.
Choice B rationale:
Episodic pain refers to pain that occurs intermittently, with pain-free intervals in between. This term is not appropriate for describing the continuous discomfort associated with severe arthritis.
Choice C rationale:
Phantom pain is the sensation of pain in a body part that has been amputated or lost, which is not relevant to a patient with severe arthritis.
Choice D rationale:
Acute pain is typically short-term and results from a specific injury or illness. It is not the appropriate term for describing the long-lasting pain associated with severe arthritis.
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