A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about using a PCA for postoperative pain management.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"A large dose of pain medication is administered with each injection.”.
"You will have control of administering your own pain medication.”.
"Your partner can push the PCA button for you if you are asleep.”.
"The pain medication is delivered into your muscle.”.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
This statement is not accurate and may confuse the client. In a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) system, a predetermined dose is delivered when the patient activates the device. The dose is usually controlled to prevent excessive medication administration.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is correct. The essence of PCA is that the patient has control over administering their pain medication within set limits or time intervals. The patient can self-administer doses when needed, ensuring effective pain management.
Choice C rationale:
Allowing the partner to push the PCA button for the patient is not recommended. PCA systems are designed to be controlled by the patient themselves to prevent potential overdosing. Involving someone else in the administration can lead to safety concerns.
Choice D rationale:
PCA systems do not deliver medication into the muscle. They typically deliver medication intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously. This statement is inaccurate and could lead to misconceptions about how the PCA system works.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
It is not advisable to use sedative pills for long periods of time without consulting a primary care provider. Prolonged use of sedatives can lead to dependence and other adverse effects. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
Using sedative pills for short periods of time without physician approval is not a safe practice. Even nonprescription medications, including over-the-counter sedatives, should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This choice is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
The best advice for the patient is to use sedative pills for short periods of time, but it is best to check with the primary care provider first. This is the most appropriate choice as it emphasizes short-term use while also promoting communication with a healthcare provider to ensure the medication's safety and effectiveness.
Choice D rationale:
Using sedative pills for long periods of time without primary care provider approval is not recommended. It can lead to potential risks and side effects associated with prolonged sedative use. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Offering an ice pack to place on the neck would not be an appropriate response in this situation. The patient has already complained that the ice massage is making the pain worse, so providing additional cold application may exacerbate their discomfort.
Choice B rationale:
The most helpful response in this scenario is to acknowledge the patient's discomfort and stop the cold application. Not everyone responds positively to cold therapy, and it's essential to respect the patient's feedback and provide alternative methods for pain relief.
Choice C rationale:
Alternating hot and cold applications may be helpful for some patients, but in this case, the patient has already expressed that the ice massage is exacerbating their pain. Suggesting this approach without addressing the patient's immediate concern is not appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
While it's true that the discomfort from the ice massage may subside in a few minutes, it's important to prioritize the patient's comfort and address their pain immediately. Continuing an intervention that is causing increased pain is not in the patient's best interest.
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