A postoperative patient is using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. You will evaluate the effectiveness of the medication when
Family members report that pain has subsided
Vital signs have returned to baseline
Body language is incongruent with reports of pain relief
You compare assessed pain with baseline pain
The Correct Answer is D
A. Family members report that pain has subsided. Pain is a subjective experience, and the patient's own report is the most reliable indicator of pain relief, not the observations of family members.
B. Vital signs have returned to baseline. While pain can affect vital signs, such as increasing heart rate or blood pressure, their return to normal does not necessarily indicate adequate pain relief. Some patients may still experience significant pain despite stable vital signs.
C. Body language is incongruent with reports of pain relief. Nonverbal cues can be helpful in assessing pain, but they should not override the patient’s self-reported pain level, which is the most accurate measure.
D. You compare assessed pain with baseline pain. The best way to evaluate the effectiveness of PCA analgesia is to assess the patient’s pain level before and after medication administration, comparing it to baseline pain. This provides an objective measure of pain relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["90"]
Explanation
Calculation:
To convert fluid ounces (FL OZ) to milliliters (mL), the conversion factor is:
1FL OZ = 30mL
Given:
= (3 FL OZ × 30mL)/1 FL OZ
= 90mL
Thus, 3 FL OZ = 90 mL.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Remove fans to prevent premature chilling. While preventing rapid cooling is important in some cases, this action is not the priority. The patient’s symptoms suggest heat-related illness, which requires immediate assessment.
B. Apply a hyperthermia blanket to lower temperature slowly. Hyperthermia blankets are typically used in controlled environments for gradual cooling, but first, the patient’s temperature must be assessed to determine the severity of heat-related illness.
C. Take the patient's temperature and vital signs. Confusion and muscle cramps after working in heat suggest possible heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Assessing temperature and vital signs is the priority to determine the severity and guide further treatment.
D. Place the patient in a tub of iced water. Ice water immersion is appropriate for severe heatstroke with a dangerously high core temperature, but cooling measures should only be initiated after confirming hyperthermia with a temperature assessment.
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.