What information would be important for the nurse to reinforce when teaching a pre-operative client about the correct use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device to achieve the best outcome?
“Try to go as long as possible before you press the button.”
“Instruct your family or visitors to press the button for you when you are sleeping.”
“Push the button every 15 minutes whether you feel pain at that time or not.”
“Push the button when you begin to feel pain, instead of waiting until the pain becomes worse.”
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Telling the patient to “try to go as long as possible before you press the button” is not advisable. PCA devices are designed to allow patients to manage their pain effectively by administering medication as soon as they begin to feel discomfort. Delaying the use of the PCA can lead to uncontrolled pain, which can be more difficult to manage later.
Choice B reason:
“Instruct your family or visitors to press the button for you when you are sleeping” is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Only the patient should press the PCA button to ensure that they are receiving the medication when they actually need it. Allowing others to press the button can lead to overmedication and serious side effects.
Choice C reason:
“Push the button every 15 minutes whether you feel pain at that time or not” is also incorrect. PCA devices are intended to be used on an as-needed basis. Pressing the button at regular intervals without experiencing pain can result in unnecessary medication administration and potential overdose.
Choice D reason:
“Push the button when you begin to feel pain, instead of waiting until the pain becomes worse” is the correct instruction. This approach helps to manage pain more effectively by preventing it from becoming severe. Early intervention with pain management can lead to better overall outcomes and patient comfort.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Increasing the client’s intake of Vitamin C can help with wound healing due to its role in collagen formation. However, this is not an immediate action to prevent wound dehiscence. While important for overall recovery, it does not directly address the mechanical stress on the incision site that can lead to dehiscence.
Choice B Reason:
Teaching the client to splint the incision when coughing is the most effective immediate action to prevent wound dehiscence. Splinting provides support to the incision site, reducing the risk of the wound opening due to the pressure exerted during coughing or other activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. This method directly addresses the mechanical stress that can cause dehiscence.
Choice C Reason:
Having the client do abdominal exercises is not appropriate in the immediate postoperative period as it can increase the risk of wound dehiscence. Abdominal exercises can put additional strain on the incision site, potentially leading to separation of the wound edges.
Choice D Reason:
Performing passive range of motion exercises is beneficial for preventing complications such as joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. However, it does not specifically address the prevention of wound dehiscence. These exercises do not provide the necessary support to the incision site to prevent it from opening.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Early signs of hypoxia, which is a condition where the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply, often include symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). These symptoms occur because the body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing heart rate and causing a state of agitation or confusion.
Choice A reason:
Bradycardia, lethargy, confusion are not typically early signs of hypoxia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is more commonly associated with severe or prolonged hypoxia rather than early stages. Lethargy and confusion can occur, but they are not as immediate as restlessness and tachycardia.
Choice B reason:
Hypotension, vomiting, cyanosis are also not early signs of hypoxia. Hypotension (low blood pressure) and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) are more advanced signs indicating severe hypoxia. Vomiting is not a common symptom of hypoxia and is more likely related to other conditions.
Choice C reason:
Bradycardia, dyspnea, cyanosis includes symptoms that are more indicative of advanced hypoxia. Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and cyanosis are signs that the body has been deprived of oxygen for a longer period. Bradycardia is not an early sign and usually occurs later in the progression of hypoxia.
Choice D reason:
Restlessness, confusion, tachycardia are classic early signs of hypoxia. Restlessness and confusion occur due to the brain’s response to low oxygen levels, while tachycardia is the body’s attempt to increase oxygen delivery to tissues by pumping blood more rapidly. These symptoms are the body’s initial compensatory mechanisms to address the lack of oxygen.
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