The nurse notes that a patient has been receiving hydromorphone every six hours for four days. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?
Observe for edema around the ankles.
Count the apical and radial pulses simultaneously.
Measure the patient’s capillary glucose level.
Auscultate the patient’s bowel sounds.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale for Choice A:
Observing for edema around the ankles is a relevant assessment, but it's not the most crucial one in this context. Edema can be a sign of fluid retention, which is a potential side effect of hydromorphone. However, it's not the most immediate or dangerous concern associated with prolonged hydromorphone use.
Rationale for Choice B:
Counting the apical and radial pulses simultaneously is a technique used to assess for pulse deficits, which can indicate heart rhythm irregularities. While hydromorphone can potentially cause cardiac effects, it's not the most common or primary concern with its use. Other assessments take priority.
Rationale for Choice C:
Measuring the patient's capillary glucose level is important for patients with diabetes or those at risk for hyperglycemia. However, there's no direct link between hydromorphone use and blood glucose levels. This assessment isn't the most relevant in this specific scenario.
Rationale for Choice D:
Auscultating the patient's bowel sounds is the most important assessment for a patient who has been receiving hydromorphone for four days. Here's why:
Hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic that can significantly slow down gastrointestinal motility. This can lead to constipation, which, if severe, can progress to ileus (a complete lack of bowel movement).
Ileus is a serious complication that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and even bowel obstruction or perforation if left untreated.
Auscultating bowel sounds helps assess the patient's bowel activity and detect early signs of constipation or ileus. Normal bowel sounds are typically heard every 5-15 seconds. Decreased or absent bowel sounds can indicate decreased bowel activity.
Early identification of constipation or ileus allows for prompt intervention, such as increasing fluid and fiber intake, administering laxatives or stool softeners, and potentially discontinuing or adjusting the hydromorphone dosage. This can prevent the development of more serious complications.
Therefore, auscultating the patient's bowel sounds is the most important assessment for the nurse to complete in this case, as it directly addresses the most significant potential complication associated with prolonged hydromorphone use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["38"]
Explanation
Here are the steps to calculate the IV flow rate:
Step 1: Calculate the volume to be infused per minute.
75 mL ÷ 30 minutes = 2.5 mL/minute
Step 2: Multiply the volume per minute by the drop factor to determine the drops per minute.
2.5 mL/minute × 15 gtt/mL = 37.5 gtt/minute
Step 3: Round the answer to the nearest whole number. The nurse should regulate the IV to deliver 38 gtt/minute.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sterile gloves are not necessary for routine oral care, even in the presence of oral Candida albicans.
Standard precautions, which include the use of gloves, are sufficient to protect the UAP from exposure to blood and body fluids.
Sterile gloves would only be indicated for invasive procedures, such as oral surgery or deep tissue sampling.
Choice B rationale:
Delegating oral care to the UAP is appropriate, as it is a routine task that does not require the specialized skills of a nurse.
The nurse should provide clear instructions to the UAP on how to perform oral care, but it is not necessary for the nurse to complete the task themselves.
Choice C rationale:
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is important for patients with oral Candida albicans, as it can help to remove plaque and debris without further irritating the delicate tissues of the mouth.
A soft-bristled toothbrush is less likely to cause bleeding or pain than a harder-bristled toothbrush.
Choice D rationale:
Mouthwash is not typically recommended for patients with oral Candida albicans, as it can actually dry out the mouth and worsen symptoms.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe a special antifungal mouthwash, but this should only be used under their supervision.
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