The nurse is caring for a patient who has diabetes and complains of chronic, burning leg pain even when taking oxycodone (OxyContin) twice daily. Which prescribed medication is the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Norco)
Aspirin
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain, as acetaminophen is a mild analgesic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain. Acetaminophen is not very effective for chronic, burning leg pain, which is likely caused by diabetic neuropathy, a nerve damage condition that affects the sensation and function of the legs.
Choice B reason: This statement is true. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain, as gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that works by modulating the activity of calcium channels, which are involved in transmitting pain signals from the nerves to the brain. Gabapentin is effective for chronic, burning leg pain, as it can reduce the intensity and frequency of neuropathic pain.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Norco) is not the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain, as hydrocodone-acetaminophen is a combination of an opioid analgesic and a mild analgesic that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, respectively. Hydrocodone-acetaminophen is not very effective for chronic, burning leg pain, as it can cause tolerance, dependence, and addiction, and can also interact with oxycodone, which the patient is already taking.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Aspirin is not the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain, as aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain. Aspirin is not very effective for chronic, burning leg pain, as it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and kidney damage, and can also interact with other medications that the patient may be taking, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: 363 is not the correct answer. This is the daily maintenance fluid requirement for an infant who weighs 3.5 kg, not 16 kg. The formula for calculating the daily maintenance fluid requirement for infants who weigh between 3.5 and 10 kg is 100 mL/kg¹.
Choice B reason: 727 is not the correct answer. This is the daily maintenance fluid requirement for an infant who weighs 10 kg, not 16 kg. The formula for calculating the daily maintenance fluid requirement for infants who weigh between 10 and 20 kg is 1000 mL plus 50 mL for every kg over 10¹.
Choice C reason: 1300 is the correct answer. This is the daily maintenance fluid requirement for an infant who weighs 16 kg. The formula for calculating the daily maintenance fluid requirement for infants who weigh between 10 and 20 kg is 1000 mL plus 50 mL for every kg over 10¹. Therefore, for an infant who weighs 16 kg, the daily maintenance fluid requirement is 1000 mL plus 50 mL times 6, which equals 1300 mL.
Choice D reason: 1600 is not the correct answer. This is the daily maintenance fluid requirement for an infant who weighs 20 kg, not 16 kg. The formula for calculating the daily maintenance fluid requirement for infants who weigh between 10 and 20 kg is 1000 mL plus 50 mL for every kg over 10¹. For infants who weigh more than 20 kg, the formula is 1500 mL plus 20 mL for every kg over 20¹.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than normal, due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body. Jo is most at risk of developing metabolic acidosis, because of the high blood glucose level. High blood glucose can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of Type 1 Diabetes, where the body breaks down fat for energy and produces ketones, which are acidic substances. Ketones can accumulate in the blood and lower the pH, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity breath, and confusion.
Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than normal, due to an excess of bases or a loss of acids in the body. Jo is not likely to develop metabolic alkalosis, because of the high blood glucose level. Metabolic alkalosis can be caused by conditions such as vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive antacid intake, which can increase the bicarbonate level or decrease the chloride level in the blood. These conditions are not related to Jo's diabetes.
Choice C reason: Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is lower than normal, due to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the body. Jo is not prone to developing respiratory acidosis, because of the high blood glucose level. Respiratory acidosis can be caused by conditions that impair the lung function, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia, which can reduce the ventilation and increase the carbon dioxide level in the blood. These conditions are not related to Jo's diabetes.
Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is higher than normal, due to a loss of carbon dioxide in the body. Jo is not susceptible to developing respiratory alkalosis, because of the high blood glucose level. Respiratory alkalosis can be caused by conditions that increase the breathing rate, such as anxiety, fever, or hyperventilation, which can reduce the carbon dioxide level in the blood. These conditions are not related to Jo's diabetes.
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.