The health care provider orders a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine to provide pain relief for a patient with acute surgical pain who has never received opioids before. Which nursing actions regarding opioid administration are appropriate at this time? (Select all that apply.)

Emphasize that their spouse may push the pain button when they are uncomfortable

Provide instructions on decreasing opioid doses by the second postoperative day.

Teach the patient about how analgesics improve postoperative activity levels.

Monitor for therapeutic and adverse effects of opioid administration.

Assess for signs that the patient is becoming addicted to the opioid.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : C,D

C. Education about the benefits of pain management, including how analgesics can improve postoperative activity levels by reducing pain and discomfort, helps to promote the patient's understanding and engagement in their own care.

D. Nurses should closely monitor the patient for both therapeutic effects and adverse effects of opioid administration when using PCA or any other opioid analgesic. Regular assessment allows for prompt identification and management of any complications or side effects.

A. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is designed for the patient to self-administer pain medication according to their own needs and pain levels.

B. Opioid dosing should be individualized based on the patient's pain level and response to the medication. Some patients may require ongoing opioid analgesia for more than two days postoperatively, while others may be able to transition to alternative pain management strategies sooner.

E. Concerns about opioid addiction should not be assumed in all patients, especially those who have never received opioids before. Instead, the focus should be on assessing the patient's pain levels, response to pain medication, and any adverse effects.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Methamphetamine use can cause significant cardiovascular effects, including tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Given the patient's presentation with an irregular heart rate and tachycardia, continuous cardiac monitoring through an ECG is essential to assess for any life-threatening arrhythmias or other cardiac complications.

A. Reorientation is important for patients who are disoriented, but in the case of a patient who has admitted to using methamphetamine and is exhibiting signs of agitation and tachycardia, the priority is to ensure the patient's safety and stabilize their condition.

C. While providing a calm environment is beneficial for patients who are agitated, it is not the most important action in this scenario.

D. Obtaining a comprehensive health history, including prior drug use, is important for understanding the patient's background and potential risk factors. However, in this acute situation where the patient is disoriented, agitated, and exhibiting signs of cardiovascular distress, the priority is to address the immediate medical needs and stabilize the patient's condition.

A. Inability to move toes. B. Pallor of the toes. C. Edema of the toes. D. Change in temperature of the toes.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Pallor of the toes indicates compromised blood flow and is the earliest sign of circulatory impairment due to tightness of the cast.

A. Inability to move toes may be a sign of tightness in the cast, but it is not the first finding to be expected if the cast is too tight.

C. Change in temperature of the toes may be a sign of impaired circulation, but it is not the earliest finding to be expected.

D. Edema of the toes may occur as a result of compromised circulation, but it is not the first finding to be expected if the cast is too tight.

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The health care provider orders a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine to provide pain relief for a patient with acute surgical pain who has never received opioids before. Which nursing actions regarding opioid administration are appropriate at this time? (Select all that apply.)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A disoriented and agitated patient comes to the emergency department and admits using methamphetamine. Vital signs are blood pressure 164/94 mm Hg. heart rate 136 beats/min and irregular, and respirations 32 breaths/min. Which action by the nurse is most important?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client following the application of a leg cast for the treatment of a fracture. If the cast is too tight, which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following spinal fusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

An unconscious patient who was transferred from surgery to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) 15 minutes ago has an oxygen saturation of 89%. Which action should the nurse take first?

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for cyclosporine oral solution to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

The outpatient surgery nurse reviews the complete blood cell (CBC) count results for a patient who is scheduled for surgery. The results are white blood cell (WBC) count 10.2 x 103/μL;

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following total hip arthroplasty. It is 0830 and the client is schedule for physical therapy (PT) at 0900. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

A nurse is teaching a client about risk factors for osteoarthritis. Which of the following factors should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has a fractured right femur and is in balanced suspension traction. The client is reporting pain from muscle spasms. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

An older patient who had knee replacement surgery 2 days ago can only tolerate being out of bed with physical therapy twice a day. Which potential complication should the nurse identify as a priority for this patient?