A patient admitted with acute renal failure asks for pain medication for a headache described as five out of ten on the pain scale. The nurse checks the MAR and sees that the only pain medication ordered is Ibuprofen. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first to ensure patient safety?
Inform the patient that the pain medication is contraindicated and offer to dim the room lights.
Monitor the patient closely after administering the ibuprofen for pain.
Consult the healthcare provider about ordering a different pain medication.
Administer the ibuprofen as ordered since ibuprofen is used to treat headaches.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Informing the patient that the pain medication is contraindicated and offering to dim the room lights addresses the immediate concern but does not provide an effective solution for pain management. While it's important to inform the patient, alternative pain relief should be pursued.
Choice B reason: Monitoring the patient closely after administering ibuprofen for pain does not ensure patient safety, especially since ibuprofen can worsen kidney function in patients with acute renal failure. Administering ibuprofen is contraindicated in this case.
Choice C reason: Consulting the healthcare provider about ordering a different pain medication is the safest first step. This ensures that the patient receives an appropriate pain reliever that does not further compromise their renal function. The healthcare provider can prescribe a medication that is safe for patients with acute renal failure.
Choice D reason: Administering ibuprofen as ordered since it is used to treat headaches is not appropriate in this scenario. Ibuprofen is nephrotoxic and can worsen renal function in patients with acute renal failure, making it unsafe to administer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory status is crucial to monitor because patients with acute neurological deficits, such as those seen in strokes, are at risk of respiratory compromise. This can be due to weakened respiratory muscles or aspiration, which could lead to pneumonia or other respiratory complications.
Choice B reason: Monitoring liver enzymes is not directly related to the acute management of a stroke patient. Liver enzymes would be more relevant in cases where liver function or hepatic issues are suspected, but not for this specific scenario.
Choice C reason: Blood pressure monitoring is vital, as hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke. Maintaining appropriate blood pressure is essential to prevent further neurological damage and complications. Acute changes in blood pressure can indicate worsening or improvement of the patient's condition.
Choice D reason: Neurological status should be continuously monitored to assess the progression of the patient's stroke symptoms. This includes checking for changes in level of consciousness, motor function, speech, and other neurological signs. Prompt detection of changes can guide immediate interventions.
Choice E reason: Potassium level monitoring is not a primary focus in the acute management of stroke. While electrolyte balance is important, it is not as critical as respiratory status, blood pressure, and neurological status in this context.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the patient in restraints for safety is not typically necessary unless the patient is agitated or a danger to themselves or others. This action is not directly addressing the acute condition of a stroke.
Choice B reason: Inserting an NGT (nasogastric tube) is not an immediate priority in the acute management of a stroke. This might be considered later if the patient has swallowing difficulties and needs nutritional support, but it is not a first-line intervention.
Choice C reason: Anticipating thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke is appropriate, as timely administration of thrombolytics can dissolve the clot and improve blood flow to the affected brain area, potentially reducing the severity of the stroke.
Choice D reason: Establishing IV access with normal saline is crucial for administering medications and maintaining hydration. It ensures that the patient can receive necessary interventions promptly.
Choice E reason: Placing the patient in the prone position is not appropriate in the management of an acute stroke. The prone position is generally used in respiratory conditions to improve oxygenation but is not relevant to stroke management.
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