Which patient may require a higher-than-expected dose of an opioid analgesic?
A patient 3 days after surgery.
A patient with cancer.
A patient with hypotension.
A patient with a concussion.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
A patient 3 days after surgery may still require higher doses of opioids for pain management, but the duration and intensity of postoperative pain typically decrease over time. This patient may not necessarily require a higher-than-expected dose compared to others.
Choice B rationale
Patients with cancer often experience severe and chronic pain due to the disease itself or its treatments. These patients may develop tolerance to opioids over time, necessitating higher-than-expected doses to achieve adequate pain relief.
Choice C rationale
Hypotension is a contraindication for high doses of opioids, as opioids can cause further blood pressure reduction. This patient would require careful dose adjustment to avoid exacerbating hypotension.
Choice D rationale
Patients with a concussion are at risk of altered mental status and respiratory depression from opioids. Therefore, higher doses are generally avoided to prevent worsening of these conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that increases the output of respiratory tract fluid by reducing the adhesiveness and surface tension of the mucus, facilitating the removal of viscous mucus.
Choice B rationale
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works on the cough center in the brain to reduce the urge to cough. It does not enhance the output of respiratory tract fluid.
Choice C rationale
Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic that breaks down the chemical structure of mucus molecules, making the mucus less viscous, but it does not enhance the output of respiratory tract fluid by reducing adhesiveness.
Choice D rationale
Flunisolide is an inhaled corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in the airways. It does not enhance the output of respiratory tract fluid.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle cannot pump blood effectively, leading to a backup of blood and fluid buildup in the lungs, legs, and other parts of the body. This explanation is accurate and helps the patient understand the nature of their condition.
Choice B rationale
Reduced oncotic pressure due to increased protein levels is not a primary factor in heart failure. Heart failure is related to the heart’s inability to pump effectively, not protein levels affecting oncotic pressure.
Choice C rationale
Hydrostatic pressure pushing fluids out of the capillaries is not directly related to heart failure. In heart failure, the issue lies in the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup rather than fluid being pushed out of capillaries.
Choice D rationale
The decrease in venous pressure from the backup of blood does not cause heart failure. Heart failure results from the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, leading to increased pressure and fluid buildup, not a decrease in venous pressure.
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