The practical nurse (PN) is managing a patient who is receiving fentanyl subcutaneously (SubQ) every hour for pain
control.
The patient’s pain level remains at 8 on a 10-point scale.
What is the most appropriate action for the PN to take?
Request an increased dose from the healthcare provider.
Continue monitoring the patient and assessing the pain level.
Initiate non-pharmacological methods of pain control.
Inform the patient about the potential addictiveness of the medication.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
If a patient’s pain level remains high despite receiving regular doses of fentanyl, it may indicate
that the current dose is insufficient. The PN should report this to the healthcare provider, who
may decide to increase the dose.
Choice B rationale
While it’s important to continue monitoring the patient and assessing the pain level, this alone
may not be sufficient if the patient’s pain remains uncontrolled.
Choice C rationale
Non-pharmacological methods of pain control can be beneficial, but they are typically used in
conjunction with medication, not as a replacement for it when the pain level is high.
Choice D rationale
Informing the patient about the potential addictiveness of the medication is important, but it’s
not the most appropriate action to take in response to uncontrolled pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat various infections. Seizure activity is a serious side effect of metronidazole and should be reported to the charge nurse immediately.
Choice B rationale
While headache is a common side effect of metronidazole, it is not as serious as seizure activity and does not necessarily need to be reported to the charge nurse unless it is severe or persistent.
Choice C rationale
A metallic taste in the mouth is a common side effect of metronidazole. It is not a serious side effect and does not need to be reported to the charge nurse.
Choice D rationale
Abdominal cramping can be a side effect of metronidazole. However, it is not as serious as seizure activity and does not necessarily need to be reported to the charge nurse unless it is severe or persistent.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it is generally recommended to take prednisone with meals to reduce stomach upset, this is not the most important instruction regarding the dosing schedule.
Choice B rationale
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is often prescribed in a tapering schedule, meaning the dosage is gradually reduced over time. This is to allow the body to adjust and to minimize potential side effects, such as adrenal insufficiency, which can occur if prednisone is stopped suddenly.
Choice C rationale
While monitoring of blood glucose levels is important for patients taking prednisone, especially those with diabetes, as prednisone can increase blood sugar levels, it is not the most important instruction regarding the dosing schedule.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring of oral temperature daily is not typically required for patients taking prednisone.
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