For optimal pain management, when is the best time to administer prescribed analgesics for a client who had abdominal surgery 12 hours ago?
When the client exhibits physiologic symptoms of pain.
Prior to painful activities, such as bathing.
On a regular schedule around the clock.
Whenever the client requests it.
The Correct Answer is C
On a regular schedule around the clock. This is because when pain is present for more than 12 hours a day, analgesic dosages are best administered around the clock rather than on an as-needed basis.
Choice A is wrong because waiting for the client to exhibit physiologic symptoms of pain may delay the administration of analgesics and cause unnecessary suffering. Physiologic symptoms of pain are not always reliable indicators of pain intensity or quality.
Choice B is wrong because administering analgesics prior to painful activities may not provide adequate pain relief throughout the day. Painful activities may vary depending on the client’s condition and preferences.
Choice D is wrong because relying on the client’s request may not ensure optimal pain management. Some clients may be reluctant to ask for analgesics due to fear of addiction, side effects, or being perceived as weak.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
On a regular schedule around the clock. This is because when pain is present for more than 12 hours a day, analgesic dosages are best administered around the clock rather than on an as-needed basis.
Choice A is wrong because waiting for the client to exhibit physiologic symptoms of pain may delay the administration of analgesics and cause unnecessary suffering. Physiologic symptoms of pain are not always reliable indicators of pain intensity or quality.
Choice B is wrong because administering analgesics prior to painful activities may not provide adequate pain relief throughout the day. Painful activities may vary depending on the client’s condition and preferences.
Choice D is wrong because relying on the client’s request may not ensure optimal pain management. Some clients may be reluctant to ask for analgesics due to fear of addiction, side effects, or being perceived as weak.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A weak, rapid pulse indicates that the client is experiencing hypovolemia or low blood volume due to blood loss during surgery.
The nurse should recommend to the provider to administer intravenous fluids to restore the client’s circulating volume and improve their hemodynamic status.
Choice A is wrong because anticholinergics are drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Anticholinergics can cause tachycardia, dry mouth, urinary retention, and blurred vision. They are not indicated for hypovolemia.
Choice B is wrong because urinary catheter placement is not a priority intervention for a client with hypovolemia.
Urinary catheterization can help monitor urine output and renal perfusion but does not address the underlying cause of low blood volume.
Choice C is wrong because beta blockers are drugs that block the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
Beta-blockers can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.
They are not indicated for hypovolemia and can worsen the client’s condition.
To communicate this information using the SBAR tool, the nurse should follow these steps: Situation: Identify yourself, the client, and the problem.
For example: “I am (name), the nurse caring for (client name) in room (number).
I am calling because I am concerned that the client has developed hypovolemia after surgery.”
Background: Provide relevant and brief information related to the situation.
For example: “The client had a surgical procedure (name and type) at (time) today. They have lost (amount) of blood during and after surgery.
Their current vital signs are: blood pressure (value), pulse (value), respiratory rate (value), temperature (value), oxygen saturation (value).”
Assessment: Share your analysis and considerations of options. For
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