Video Library
Symptom Management in Palliative Care
Symptom Management in Palliative Care ( 2 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has terminal cancer and is experiencing severe pain. The client has a prescription for morphine sulfate 10 mg IV every 4 hr PRN for pain. The nurse notes that the client's pain level is 8/10 on a numeric rating scale and administers the medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
The nurse should assess the client's pain level after 15 min, but this is not the priority action. The nurse should first ensure that the client's airway and breathing are not compromised by the medication.
The nurse should document the administration and the client's response, but this is not the priority action. Documentation is important, but it does not take precedence over monitoring for adverse effects.
The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate and level of consciousness after administering an opioid analgesic, as these are indicators of potential adverse effects such as respiratory depression and sedation. This is a priority action according to the airway, breathing, circulation (ABC) framework.
The nurse should educate the client about nonpharmacological pain relief methods, but this is not the priority action. Education is part of holistic care, but it does not address the immediate need of managing pain and preventing complications.
The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate and level of consciousness after administering an opioid analgesic, as these are indicators of potential adverse effects such as respiratory depression and sedation. This is a priority action according to the airway, breathing, circulation (ABC) framework.
Incorrect answers:
A) The nurse should assess the client's pain level after 15 min, but this is not the priority action. The nurse should first ensure that the client's airway and breathing are not compromised by the medication.
B) The nurse should document the administration and the client's response, but this is not the priority action. Documentation is important, but it does not take precedence over monitoring for adverse effects.
D) The nurse should educate the client about nonpharmacological pain relief methods, but this is not the priority action. Education is part of holistic care, but it does not address the immediate need of managing pain and preventing complications.