A nurse is providing patient education to a 55-year-old man who has been prescribed opioids for chronic back pain. Which of the following statements by the nurse is most appropriate when educating the patient about opioid-induced constipation?
"Opioid-induced constipation typically resolves on its own after a few weeks of treatment."
"Avoid physical activity to prevent exacerbating your back pain."
"Start taking stool softeners along with your opioid medication."
"You should wait to see if constipation develops before taking any specific measures."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "Opioid-induced constipation typically resolves on its own after a few weeks of treatment.": This is incorrect. Unlike other opioid side effects such as nausea or sedation, constipation does not typically resolve over time. It often persists and requires proactive management throughout opioid therapy.
B. "Avoid physical activity to prevent exacerbating your back pain.": While activity should be adjusted to the patient’s condition, light physical activity like walking actually helps stimulate bowel function. Complete avoidance of movement can worsen constipation.
C. "Start taking stool softeners along with your opioid medication.": This is the most appropriate advice. Prophylactic use of stool softeners or stimulant laxatives is recommended when initiating opioid therapy, as constipation is a nearly universal side effect due to slowed gastrointestinal motility.
D. "You should wait to see if constipation develops before taking any specific measures.": Waiting for constipation to develop can lead to discomfort and complications like fecal impaction. Preventive strategies should be started as soon as opioid treatment begins.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 300mg is incorrect.
B. 400mg is incorrect
C. 200mg is incorrect
D. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%. If the half-life is 6 hours, the amount of drug in the body will halve every 6 hours.
- Initial dose: 800 mg
- After 6 hours (1st half-life): 800 mg ÷ 2 = 400 mg
- After 12 hours (2nd half-life): 400 mg ÷ 2 = 200 mg
- After 18 hours (3rd half-life): 200 mg ÷ 2 = 100 mg
After 18 hours (three half-lives), 100 mg of the medication will remain in the patient's system.
Correct Answer is ["31"]
Explanation
Total volume to be infused = 750 mL
Total infusion time = 4 hours
Convert hours to minutes: 4 hours × 60 minutes/hour = 240 minutes
Drop factor = 10 gtt/mL
- Calculate the total number of drops needed:
Total drops (gtt) = Total volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL)
= 750 mL × 10 gtt/mL
= 7500 gtt
- Calculate the flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min):
Flow rate (gtt/min) = Total drops (gtt) / Total infusion time (minutes)
= 7500 gtt / 240 minutes
= 31.25 gtt/min
- Round to the nearest whole number:
Rounding 31.25 to the nearest whole number gives 31.
= 31 gtt/min.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.