A multidisciplinary team working with the spouse of a home care client who has end-stage liver failure is teaching the spouse about pain management. Which statement by the spouse indicates the need for further teaching?
- A. My husband can use breathing exercises to control pain.
- B. I will help prevent constipation with increased fluids.
- C. If the pain increases, I will report it to the nurse promptly.
- D. The medication causes very deep sleep that my husband needs.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the client with liver disease, the ability to metabolize medication is affected. A decreased level of consciousness is a potential clinical indicator of medication overdose, as well as fluid, electrolyte, and oxygenation deficiencies; thus, the nurse teaches the client's spouse about the differences between sleep related to pain relief and a deteriorating change in neurological status. Options 1, 2, and 3 all indicate an understanding of suitable steps to be taken in pain management.
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The nurse monitors the client taking amitriptyline for which common side effect?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Hypertension
- D. Increased salivation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Common side effects of amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant) include the central nervous system effects of drowsiness, fatigue, lethargy, and sedation. Other common side effects include dry mouth or eyes, blurred vision, hypotension, and constipation. The nurse monitors the client for these side effects.
The nurse inserts an indwelling Foley catheter into the bladder of a postoperative client who has not voided for 8 hours and has a distended bladder. After the tubing is secured and the collection bag is hung on the bed frame, the nurse notices that 900 mL of urine has drained into the collection bag. What is the appropriate nursing action for the safety of this client?
- A. Check the specific gravity of the urine.
- B. Clamp the tubing for 30 minutes and then release.
- C. Provide suprapubic pressure to maintain a steady flow of urine.
- D. Raise the collection bag high enough to slow the rate of drainage.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid emptying of a large volume of urine may cause engorgement of pelvic blood vessels and hypovolemic shock, prolapse of the bladder, or bladder spasms. Clamping the tubing for 30 minutes allows for equilibration to prevent complications. Option 1 is an assessment and would not affect the flow of urine or prevent possible hypovolemic shock. Option 3 would increase the flow of urine, which could lead to hypovolemic shock. Option 4 could cause backflow of urine. Infection is likely to develop if urine is allowed to flow back into the bladder.
A client with an extremity burn injury has undergone a fasciotomy. The nurse prepares to provide which type of wound care to the fasciotomy site?
- A. Dry sterile dressings
- B. Hydrocolloid dressings
- C. Wet, sterile saline dressings
- D. One-half-strength povidone-iodine dressings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A fasciotomy is an incision made extending through the subcutaneous tissue and fascia. The fasciotomy site is not sutured but is left open to relieve pressure and edema. The site is covered with wet sterile saline dressings. After 3 to 5 days, when perfusion is adequate and edema subsides, the wound is debrided and closed. A hydrocolloid dressing is not indicated for use with clean, open incisions. The incision is clean, not dirty, so there should be no reason to require povidone-iodine. Additionally, povidone-iodine can be irritating to normal tissues.
The nurse is assessing the respiratory status of the client after a thoracentesis has been performed. The nurse would become concerned with which assessment finding?
- A. Equal bilateral chest expansion
- B. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
- C. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side
- D. Few scattered wheezes, unchanged from baseline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After thoracentesis, the nurse assesses vital signs and breath sounds. The nurse especially notes increased respiratory rates, dyspnea, retractions, diminished breath sounds, or cyanosis, which could indicate pneumothorax. Any of these manifestations should be reported to the primary health care provider. Options 1 and 2 are normal findings. Option 4 indicates a finding that is unchanged from the baseline.
The nurse is assisting a client diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy to fill out the dietary menu. The nurse advises the client to avoid which entree item?
- A. Tomato soup
- B. Fresh fruit plate
- C. Vegetable lasagna
- D. Ground beef patty
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients with hepatic encephalopathy have impaired ability to convert ammonia to urea and must limit intake of protein and ammonia-containing foods in the diet. The client should avoid foods such as chicken, beef, ham, cheese, milk, peanut butter, and gelatin. The food items in options 1, 2, and 3 are acceptable to eat.