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:
Endorphins are capable of reducing pain in both physiological and psychological conditions, so this statement is inaccurate.
Choice B rationale:
Endorphins are often described as natural morphine-like compounds, but they are not enzymes. They are neuropeptides produced by the body, which bind to opioid receptors and act as natural painkillers.
Choice D rationale:
Endorphins can reduce pain in response to various stressors, whether they are physiological or psychological. They play a role in the body's response to stress and pain. Therefore, this statement is not accurate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is: C. Decreased energy.
Choice A reason: Hypotension is not typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is more commonly linked with hypertension due to the frequent arousals during sleep that activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased blood pressure.
Choice B reason: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and is not a direct consequence of OSA. While OSA can affect the respiratory system, it does not cause pneumonia. However, individuals with OSA may have a higher risk of respiratory infections due to compromised breathing during sleep.
Choice C reason: Decreased energy is a common symptom of OSA. People with OSA experience repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and insufficient rest. This results in daytime sleepiness and fatigue, which are hallmark signs of the condition.
Choice D reason: Thyroid disease, specifically hypothyroidism, can be associated with OSA, but it is not a direct finding of the condition. Hypothyroidism can lead to changes in the soft tissues of the upper airway and contribute to the development of OSA, but it is not a symptom used to diagnose OSA.

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