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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?

A.

Request an increased dose from the healthcare provider.

B.

Continue monitoring the patient and assessing the pain level.

C.

Initiate non-pharmacological methods of pain control.

D.

Inform the patient about the potential addictiveness of the medication.

Answer and Explanation

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.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is D. Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective. Choice A rationale While it’s important to review the medication regimen if a patient is not responding to treatment, it’s also crucial to understand that antidepressants like amitriptyline don’t typically show their full effects immediately. It’s common for these medications to take several weeks before their full therapeutic effect becomes apparent. Choice B rationale A dosage increase may be considered if the patient shows no improvement after a sufficient period, typically several weeks. However, since the patient has only been on the medication for five days, it’s too early to consider a dosage increase. Choice C rationale Therapy can indeed be beneficial in treating depression and can enhance the effect of medication. However, the statement that the medication isn’t working after five days is likely due to the fact that antidepressants usually take longer to start showing effects. Choice D rationale This is the correct answer. Antidepressants like amitriptyline often take 2 to 4 weeks to start showing their full effects. It’s important for patients to know this so they don’t get discouraged and stop taking the medication too soon.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Antiretroviral medications can indeed decrease Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) related complications. These medications work by blocking the replication of the HIV virus, thereby reducing the viral load in the body. This allows the immune system to recover and fight off infections and diseases that are associated with AIDS12.

Choice B rationale

This statement is correct. While antiretroviral medications are highly effective in managing HIV infection, they do not cure the disease. The primary goal of antiretroviral therapy is to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, but this does not mean the virus is completely eliminated from the body. HIV remains in latent reservoirs within the body, and if antiretroviral therapy is stopped, the virus can rebound.

Choice C rationale

Antiretroviral medications can decrease the viral load to an undetectable level. This means that the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard blood tests. Achieving an undetectable viral load is a key goal of antiretroviral therapy as it indicates that the treatment is working effectively.

Choice D rationale

While antiretroviral medications significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, they do not completely prevent it. Having an undetectable viral load greatly reduces the risk of transmission, but it does not eliminate it. Therefore, other preventive measures, such as using condoms and practicing safe sex, should still be followed.

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