The palliative care nurse is admitting a client who has metastatic bone cancer and is unable to eat or drink without immediate nausea and vomiting. The client is complaining of pain at 9 on a 0 to 10 pain scale, and the vital signs are: heart rate 99 beats/minute, respirations 38 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation 95%, and blood pressure 110/80 mm Hg. Which Intervention should the nurse implement?
Initiate infusion for an IV fluid bolus.
Administer an IV antiemetic.
Medicate with PRN IV narcotic.
Discourage straining on stool.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While hydration is important, it's not the most immediate concern when the client is experiencing severe pain and nausea. Addressing the pain should be the priority.
B. Antiemetics can be helpful for managing nausea and vomiting, but they may not be as effective in addressing the severe pain.
C. The client's self-reported pain level of 9 on a 0 to 10 scale indicates severe pain, which requires immediate management. IV narcotics are effective for managing severe pain and can be administered quickly to provide immediate relief. Addressing the client's pain can also help to alleviate nausea and vomiting, as pain can exacerbate these symptoms.
D. This is not relevant to the client's current symptoms of severe pain and nausea.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Measuring body temperature is important in assessing the client’s overall condition and identifying a fever, which is common in pneumonia. However, while it provides useful information about the client's status, it is not the most urgent action compared to interventions that could immediately impact the client’s respiratory function or confirm the diagnosis.
B. Administering PRN (as needed) oxygen is crucial if the client shows signs of hypoxia or difficulty breathing. If the client's face appears cyanotic or if they are experiencing respiratory distress, this action should be prioritized to ensure adequate oxygenation.
C. A chest x-ray is essential for diagnosing pneumonia and assessing the extent of lung involvement. However, while it is critical for diagnosis, addressing immediate respiratory needs and symptoms takes precedence.
D. Obtaining sputum for culture is important for identifying the causative organism and guiding antibiotic therapy. However, this action is less urgent than ensuring the client’s immediate respiratory needs are met and confirming the diagnosis through imaging.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increasing dietary fiber and adding prune juice can help relieve constipation by improving bowel regularity. While this is an important step in managing constipation, it is not the first action to take without understanding the underlying cause or current status of bowel function.
B. Physical activity is important for bowel regularity, especially post-surgery. However, assessing physical activity should come after a more immediate evaluation of the client's bowel status. It is crucial to first determine if there are other underlying issues that need addressing before implementing dietary changes or increasing activity.
C. A digital examination can be necessary to identify fecal impaction, especially if other assessments suggest severe constipation or if the client has not had a bowel movement for several days. However, this is an invasive procedure and should be performed based on preliminary findings from non-invasive assessments.
D. Checking bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness is an essential first step in assessing the client's gastrointestinal status. It helps identify whether there is a lack of bowel movement due to a more severe issue such as bowel obstruction or if it is simply a case of constipation.
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