A patient with metastatic cancer who was taking hydromorphone orally at home is now receiving the medication intravenously while in the hospital.
To evaluate if the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of the hydromorphone, which assessment should the nurse complete?
Respiratory rate.
Pain scale.
Blood pressure.
Level of consciousness.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While monitoring the respiratory rate is important in a patient receiving opioids like hydromorphone, it does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of the medication.
Choice B rationale
Pain scale assessment is the most direct way to evaluate if the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone. Equianalgesic refers to a dose of one opioid that would provide the same level of pain relief as a given dose of another opioid. If the patient’s pain is well-controlled, it suggests that the dose of hydromorphone is equianalgesic to the dose of the previous opioid.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring blood pressure is important in a patient receiving opioids as these medications can cause hypotension. However, blood pressure does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone.
Choice D rationale
While it’s important to monitor the level of consciousness in a patient receiving opioids as these medications can cause sedation, it does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The patient was able to sleep through the night. This is a positive sign as it indicates that the patient is comfortable and not in distress. Sleep is essential for healing and recovery.
Choice B rationale
The patient’s left arm is warm to touch. This could indicate that there is adequate blood flow to the area, which is necessary for healing. However, warmth could also be a sign of inflammation or infection, so it’s important to monitor this closely.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s left shoulder and collarbone are symmetric. This is a good sign as it indicates that there is no obvious dislocation or fracture, which could cause pain and limit mobility.
Choice D rationale
The patient has no desire to eat breakfast. This is not necessarily a sign of progress. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of many conditions, including stress, infection, or certain medications. It’s important to encourage the patient to eat to maintain strength and support healing.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Uterine atony refers to a condition where the uterus fails to contract sufficiently during and after childbirth. This lack of contraction can lead to excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage. This is because the contractions of the uterus after delivery help to compress the blood vessels and prevent bleeding. Therefore, uterine atony can cause a patient to hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
Wound dehiscence refers to a surgical complication where an incision reopens either internally or externally. It can cause pain, infection, and organ protrusion. However, it is not directly associated with hemorrhaging.
Choice C rationale
Infection refers to the invasion of tissues by pathogens, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agent and the toxins they produce. While severe infections can lead to sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can cause bleeding, they do not directly cause hemorrhaging.
Choice D rationale
Hemorrhage is a symptom, not a condition. It refers to excessive bleeding which can occur due to various conditions, including uterine atony.
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