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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Diminished breath sounds in a client admitted with pneumonia. This is because diminished breath sounds indicate a worsening of the respiratory condition and a possible complication of pneumonia, such as atelectasis or pleural effusion.
The healthcare provider should be notified immediately to assess the client and order appropriate interventions.
Choice A is wrong because a report of joint pain by a client who recently started taking arthritis medication is not an urgent finding.
Joint pain is a common symptom of arthritis and may take some time to improve with medication.
The nurse should monitor the client’s pain level and administer analgesics as prescribed.
Choice B is wrong because report of decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping is not an immediate concern.
These are nonspecific symptoms that may be related to stress, anxiety, depression, or other factors.
The nurse should explore the possible causes of these symptoms and provide emotional support and education to the client.
Choice C is wrong because a weight loss of two pounds in a client admitted to congestive heart failure is not a critical finding.
Weight loss may indicate a reduction of fluid retention, which is a desired outcome for clients with heart failure.
The nurse should monitor the client’s weight daily and report any significant changes to the health care provider.
Normal ranges for weight, appetite, sleep, joint pain, and breath sounds vary depending on the individual’s age, gender, height, activity level, medical history, and other factors.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Interview the client privately and ask if anyone is harming her.
This is because the nurse has a duty to assess the client for possible elder abuse and report any suspicions to the appropriate authorities.
The nurse should not assume that the son is the abuser or that the client will disclose the abuse without being asked directly.
The nurse should also respect the client’s autonomy and privacy and not confront the son or provide an elder abuse brochure without the client’s consent.
Choice A is wrong because it may imply that the client is responsible for preventing the abuse or that the nurse has already made a judgment about the situation.
It may also be ineffective if the client is unable or unwilling to read the brochure or seek help. Choice C is wrong because it may delay the assessment and intervention for the client.
It may also be biased and unfair to observe the son without interviewing him or the client first.
Choice D is wrong because it may violate the client’s rights and preferences.
It may also be premature to report the abuse without confirming it with the client or obtaining more evidence.
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