When preparing to apply a scheduled fentanyl transdermal patch, the nurse notes that the previously applied patch is intact on the client’s upper back and the client denies pain. Which action should the nurse take?
Place the patch on the client’s shoulder and leave both patches in place for 12 hours.
Remove the patch and consult with the healthcare provider about the client’s pain resolution.
Apply the new patch in a different location after removing the original patch.
Administer an oral analgesic and evaluate its effectiveness before applying the new patch.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Placing the new patch on the client’s shoulder and leaving both patches in place for 12 hours is not recommended. Fentanyl patches are designed to be used one at a time, and overlapping patches can lead to an overdose due to excessive absorption of the medication1. The standard practice is to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
Choice B reason:
Removing the patch and consulting with the healthcare provider about the client’s pain resolution is a cautious approach. However, it is not necessary to consult the healthcare provider if the client denies pain and the patch is due for replacement. The nurse should follow the standard protocol for patch replacement.
Choice C reason:
Applying the new patch in a different location after removing the original patch is the correct action. This ensures that the medication is delivered effectively while preventing skin irritation and potential overdose. The new patch should be placed on a different area of intact skin to allow the previous site to recover.
Choice D reason:
Administering an oral analgesic and evaluating its effectiveness before applying the new patch is not appropriate in this scenario. The client is already receiving pain management through the transdermal patch, and additional oral analgesics are not necessary unless there is breakthrough pain. The focus should be on proper patch replacement
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking tamsulosin early in the day is not necessary. Tamsulosin should be taken approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day to ensure consistent absorption and effectiveness1. The timing of the dose is less critical than ensuring it is taken after the same meal daily.
Choice B reason: Tamsulosin can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness or fainting. Therefore, it is crucial to instruct patients to stand and sit up slowly to prevent falls and injuries.
Choice C reason: Reducing daily fluid intake is not recommended for patients taking tamsulosin. Adequate hydration is important for overall health and can help manage urinary symptoms associated with BPH. There is no evidence suggesting that fluid restriction improves the effectiveness of tamsulosin.
Choice D reason: Tamsulosin should be taken daily, not on a twice-a-week dosing schedule. Consistent daily dosing is necessary to maintain stable blood levels of the medication and ensure its effectiveness in managing urinary retention due to BPH.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Contact the healthcare provider: Given the client’s history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin, there is a potential risk of cross-reactivity with cephalexin, a cephalosporin. Although the risk of cross-reactivity is relatively low, it is still significant enough to warrant caution. Studies indicate that 1-4% of people with a true penicillin allergy may also react to cephalosporins. Therefore, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider to discuss alternative antibiotics or additional precautions.
Choice B Reason:
Give with prescribed antihistamine: While antihistamines can help manage mild allergic reactions, they are not sufficient to prevent or treat anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic reactions require immediate medical intervention, including epinephrine administration. Therefore, relying solely on antihistamines is not an appropriate or safe action in this scenario.
Choice C Reason:
Administer the medication as prescribed: Administering cephalexin without consulting the healthcare provider could put the client at risk of a severe allergic reaction. Given the client’s history of anaphylaxis to penicillin, it is crucial to verify the safety of cephalexin with the healthcare provider before administration.
Choice D Reason:
Monitor the client for a rash or hives: While monitoring for allergic reactions is essential, it should not be the primary action in this case. The priority is to prevent a potential severe allergic reaction by consulting the healthcare provider before administering the medication. Monitoring alone does not address the underlying risk of cross-reactivity.
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