A sleeping patient has periodic pauses in breathing, then starts to breathe again.
The nurse recognizes this sleep pattern is consistent with:.

Choice A rationale:

Oxymorphone is not an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). It is an opioid analgesic, which is used for more severe pain relief. It is not suitable for managing swelling and pain caused by an injury.

Choice B rationale:

Ibuprofen is an NSAID and is an appropriate choice for managing pain and swelling associated with injuries like the patient's knee injury. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort in such cases.

Choice C rationale:

Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. It is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic, and while it can help with pain relief, it may not be as effective in reducing inflammation, which is essential in cases of swelling due to an injury.

Choice D rationale:

Aspirin is an NSAID, but it is not the best choice for this patient. Aspirin is known to have a higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects, and there are other NSAIDs like ibuprofen that are generally preferred for pain management and inflammation without the same level of side effects.

The correct answer is choice B. "Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?"

Choice A rationale:

"Your husband should decide when more medication is needed.” This response is incorrect because it implies that the partner has the authority to decide when the client needs pain medication, which violates the purpose of a PCA pump. A PCA pump is specifically designed for client-controlled pain management, ensuring that the patient, not anyone else, controls when they receive pain medication. Allowing someone else to press the button can lead to overmedication and safety risks.

Choice B rationale:

"Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?" This response is correct because it prompts the partner to reflect on their actions and provides an opportunity for the nurse to educate about the proper use of PCA pumps. It addresses the immediate issue without being confrontational and opens the door for further discussion on the importance of client safety and correct PCA use.

Choice C rationale:

"It's a good idea to help make sure your husband can sleep comfortably.” This response is incorrect as it endorses inappropriate and unsafe behavior. It encourages the partner to continue pressing the PCA button, risking the client's safety due to potential overmedication, which can lead to severe complications, such as respiratory depression.

Choice D rationale:

"Next time you think he needs more medication, call me and I'll push the button.” This response is incorrect because it contradicts PCA protocols and removes the control from the client. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client’s pain and safety, not administering medication upon another person’s request. This approach also increases the risk of dosing errors and undermines the purpose of patient-controlled analgesia.