Which of the following describes a clinical feature of non-opioid analgesics?
They are often addictive.
Primarily used for neuropathic pain.
Frequently result in respiratory depression.
Useful for mild to moderate pain without causing euphoria.
The Correct Answer is D
A. They are often addictive: Non-opioid medications do not have the potential for psychological addiction because they do not activate the reward centers of the brain. They lack the mu-receptor agonism responsible for the cravings and compulsive use associated with opioids. This makes them ideal for patients with a history of substance abuse.
B. Primarily used for neuropathic pain: Neuropathic pain usually requires adjuvant medications like gabapentinoids or tricyclic antidepressants to stabilize nerve membranes. Non-opioids are most effective for inflammatory or musculoskeletal pain. While they can be part of a multimodal plan, they are not the primary treatment for nerve damage.
C. Result in respiratory depression: One of the greatest safety advantages of non-opioids is that they do not depress the respiratory center in the medulla. Even at high doses, they do not cause the life-threatening bradypnea associated with opioid toxicity. Their primary risks involve gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicity instead.
D. Useful for mild to moderate pain: Non-opioid analgesics, such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs, provide effective relief for nociceptive pain without the risk of physical dependence. Unlike opioids, they do not produce euphoria or a "high," making them safer for long-term use in non-malignant pain. They are the first step on the WHO pain ladder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Provide comfort measures to address irritability:Irritability in a dehydrated pediatric patient is often a symptom of physiological distress and electrolyte imbalance. While comfort is important, it does not correct the underlying biological deficit of fluid volume. Treating the symptom rather than the physical cause violates Maslow's priority-setting principles.
B. Involve the parents to provide reassurance:Parental involvement satisfies the need for love and belonging, which is a third-tier requirement. In an acute clinical scenario involving dehydration, the child's basic physiological survival is at greater risk. Psychosocial support must follow the restoration of hemodynamic and fluid stability.
C. Plan a nutritional intervention with the dietician:Long-term nutritional planning is a higher-level health maintenance goal. It does not address the immediate, acute threat of dehydration and potential hypovolemic shock. Acute physiological needs must be prioritized and resolved before addressing secondary dietary or lifestyle modifications.
D. Start intravenous fluid therapy:Water and electrolyte balance are fundamental physiological needs at the base of Maslow's hierarchy. Intravenous rehydration directly treats the cause of irritability and prevents cardiovascular collapse. This is the most urgent action to ensure the patient's survival and physical stability.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increase the patient's IV fluid rate:Accelerating fluid administration does not address the primary issue of impaired gas exchange or pulmonary ventilation. In fact, excessive fluids could exacerbate low oxygen levels if the patient is developing pulmonary edema. This intervention is irrelevant to resolving acute desaturation.
B. Reassure the patient and continue to monitor:A saturation level of 88% represents significant hypoxemia that requires immediate active intervention to prevent tissue hypoxia. Passive monitoring while a patient is in respiratory distress allows for further physiological decline. Clinical action must prioritize correcting the oxygen deficit over observation.
C. Notify the anesthesiologist immediately:While communication with the surgical team is necessary, the nurse must first stabilize the patient's immediate physiological threat. Delaying life-saving oxygen therapy to place a phone call can lead to avoidable complications. Assessment and immediate intervention must precede notification in emergency situations.
D. Administer supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula:Increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen is the priority action to correct acute hypoxemia. This intervention immediately supports cellular oxygenation and reduces the workload of the heart and lungs. It is the standard initial nursing response for postoperative respiratory depression.
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