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: Eating a piece of pizza is not a good option for the student. Pizza is a complex carbohydrate that contains fat and protein, which can delay the absorption of glucose and cause unpredictable blood sugar levels. The student needs a simple carbohydrate that can quickly raise her blood sugar level, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or candy.
Choice B reason: Taking an extra dose of rapid-acting insulin is a dangerous option for the student. Insulin lowers the blood sugar level, and the student already has symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as headache, vision changes, and anxiety. Taking more insulin can worsen her condition and cause seizures, coma, or death.
Choice C reason: Eating 15 g of simple carbohydrates is the best option for the student. Simple carbohydrates are easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, and can raise the blood sugar level within 15 minutes. The student should eat 15 g of simple carbohydrates, such as four glucose tablets, half a cup of fruit juice, or three pieces of hard candy, and then check her blood sugar level if possible.
Choice D reason: Drinking some diet pop is not a helpful option for the student. Diet pop does not contain any sugar or calories, and will not affect the blood sugar level. The student needs a source of glucose to treat her hypoglycemia, and diet pop will not provide that.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is true. Fluid volume deficit, or hypovolemia, is a condition where the body loses more fluid than it gains. It can be caused by fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, or excessive sweating. Fluid volume deficit can lead to dehydration, hypotension, tachycardia, and shock.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. Sodium imbalance, or dysnatremia, is a condition where the blood sodium level is either too high or too low. It can be caused by fluid imbalance, kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or medications. Sodium imbalance can affect the brain function, causing confusion, seizures, or coma.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Potassium imbalance, or dyskalemia, is a condition where the blood potassium level is either too high or too low. It can be caused by kidney disease, acid-base disorders, medications, or dietary intake. Potassium imbalance can affect the heart function, causing arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or death.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Fluid volume excess, or hypervolemia, is a condition where the body gains more fluid than it loses. It can be caused by fluid overload, heart failure, kidney failure, or liver disease. Fluid volume excess can lead to edema, hypertension, dyspnea, and pulmonary congestion.
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