Which action should the practical nurse (PNA) prioritize for postoperative patient with a PCA (Patient- Controlled Analgesia) machine?
Coffee ground secretions drainage via nasogastric tube.
Nasogastric tube suctioning.
Assessing pain management response.
Ineffective pain management report:
The Correct Answer is C
This is the correct answer because it is the most important and relevant action that the PN should do for a postoperative patient with a PCA machine. A PCA machine is a computerized device that allows the patient to self-administer a preset dose of pain medication, usually an opioid, by pressing a buton. The PCA machine is attached to an intravenous (IV) line that delivers the medication directly into the bloodstream. The PCA machine can provide effective and individualized pain relief for postoperative patients, as well as increase their sense of control and satisfaction¹².
The PN should assess the pain management response of the postoperative patient with a PCA machine by monitoring their pain level, vital signs, oxygen saturation, sedation level, and side effects. The PN should use a valid and reliable pain scale, such as the numeric rating scale (NRS) or the visual analog scale (VAS), to measure the patient's pain intensity and relief. The PN should also check the settings and functioning of the PCA machine, such as the dose, lockout interval, and limit. The PN should document and report the patient's pain management response and any problems or complications with the PCA machine to the health care provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is the most important complication for the practical nurse (PN) to anticipate because it is a common and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in clients with severe burns. Curling's ulcer, also known as stress ulcer, is a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the stomach or duodenum as a result of stress, shock, trauma, or burns. It is caused by decreased blood flow and increased acid secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, which damages the mucosal lining and leads to ulceration and bleeding.
The PN should anticipate Curling's ulcer in a client who experienced partial-thickness burns over 30% of the body surface area (BSA) 3 days ago, as this is a major risk factor for developing stress ulcers. The PN should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of Curling's ulcer, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, and anemia. The PN should also administer prophylactic medications such as antacids, histamine-2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors as prescribed by the health care provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The practical nurse (PN) should reteach the proper use of the spirometer when the client demonstrates blowing forcefully into the mouthpiece. The proper way to use an incentive spirometer is to sit upright, hold the spirometer upright, place your mouth around the mouthpiece, breathe out slowly, and then inhale slowly only through your mouth as deeply as you can. Blowing forcefully into the mouthpiece is not the correct way to use an incentive spirometer.
B. Exhaling slowly after two seconds: This is actually a correct action when using an incentive spirometer. The proper way to use an incentive spirometer is to exhale slowly before inhaling deeply.
C. Using a tight seal around the mouthpiece: This is also a correct action when using an incentive spirometer. It’s important to create a tight seal around the mouthpiece with your lips to ensure that you’re inhaling and exhaling only through your mouth.
D. Sitting upright during the treatment: This is another correct action when using an incentive spirometer. Sitting upright helps you to breathe more deeply and fully, which is the goal of using an incentive spirometer.

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