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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This choice is incorrect. A complete occlusion of a coronary vessel results in a myocardial infarction (heart attack), not unstable angina. Unstable angina occurs when there is a significant narrowing or partial blockage of a coronary artery, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, causing pain or discomfort. Complete occlusion would cause permanent damage to the heart muscle, which is not the case with unstable angina.
Choice B rationale
This choice is correct. While unstable angina is mainly caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries, it can also be caused by a spasm of the blood vessel. This spasm, also known as vasospasm, reduces the amount of blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in pain. These spasms can occur even if the coronary arteries do not have significant plaque buildup, adding another layer of complexity to the condition.
Choice C rationale
This choice is partially correct. The body’s response to a lack of oxygen (ischemia) in the heart muscle does result in pain, known as angina. However, this choice does not fully capture the specific nature of unstable angina, which involves episodes of pain that occur more frequently and are more severe than those associated with stable angina, and can occur at rest or with minimal exertion, indicating a higher risk for a heart attack.
Choice D rationale
This choice is correct. Unstable angina is characterized by a serious narrowing of a coronary artery that reduces oxygen supply to the heart. This narrowing is typically due to atherosclerotic plaque and can be complicated by blood clots or spasms. Unlike stable angina, the pain of unstable angina is more unpredictable and can occur without a triggering factor like exercise or stress, signaling a higher risk of a heart attack.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
True, because antitussive agents, which are cough suppressants, can potentially lead to dependence due to their central nervous system effects. This risk is particularly concerning for patients with a history of addiction.
Choice B rationale
False, is incorrect because the potential for addiction does warrant caution when prescribing antitussive agents to patients with a history of addiction. .
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.