Nokea
A nurse plans to promote a patient's natural pain mediators by using a whirlpool following intensive physical therapy to the legs. What is a potent pain-blocking neuromodulator, released through relaxation techniques?
- A. Prostaglandins
- B. Substance P
- C. Endorphins
- D. Serotonin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Endorphins are powerful pain-blocking neuromodulators released through relaxation techniques like whirlpool therapy (C). Prostaglandins and substance P (A, B) enhance pain transmission, and serotonin (D) primarily affects mood and smooth muscle function.
You may also like to solve these questions
Based on the objective and subjective assessment of this patient, where should the nurse focus the initial efforts of the interprofessional team?
- A. Collaborating with the endocrinologist to manage the patient's blood glucose and A1c
- B. Consulting psychiatry to set up a medication regimen to treat the patient's anxiety and depression
- C. Working with the provider, the patient, and the patient's wife to address functional pain goals
- D. Providing detailed information on the microvascular and macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority is addressing Carla's functional pain goals (C) to improve her quality of life, as her pain impacts her daily functioning and stress affects her diabetes management. While glucose control (A) and psychiatric consultation (B) are relevant, pain management is the immediate focus. Education on complications (D) is secondary to addressing current pain.
A nurse is caring for patients in a hospital setting. Which patient would the nurse place at risk for pain related to the mechanical activation of pain receptors?
- A. Older adult on bedrest following cervical spine surgery
- B. Patient with a severe sunburn being treated for dehydration
- C. Industrial worker who has burns caused by a caustic acid
- D. Patient experiencing cardiac disturbances from an electrical shock
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mechanical activation of pain receptors occurs from friction or pressure, such as pressure sores from bedrest in an older adult post-cervical spine surgery (A). Sunburn (B) and acid burns (C) are thermal and chemical stimulants, respectively, while electrical shock (D) is an electrical stimulant.
A patient is receiving a multimodal medication regimen as part of the treatment plan for neuropathic phantom limb pain. When the patient reports a bloody bowel movement, which medication prescription requires notification of the provider?
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
- C. Opioid medication
- D. Antianxiety medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NSAIDs (B) can interfere with platelet function and increase bleeding risk, necessitating provider notification for a bloody bowel movement. Acetaminophen (A), opioids (C), and antianxiety medications (D) are less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
A nurse on an adult surgical floor enters a patient room and observes a family member pressing the button to administer a dose of PCA via the infusion pump. What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. That dose will sure be helpful after their type of surgery.
- B. Having only the patient use the pump prevents respiratory complications.
- C. If the patient asked you to press the button, then it's OK.
- D. Since the pump has built in safeguards, you can help with pain management.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PCA by proxy (family administering doses) risks overdose, oversedation, and respiratory depression (B). Only the patient should press the PCA button, regardless of safeguards (D) or patient requests (C), and option A ignores the safety issue.
How will the nurse and Carla know that the treatment plan has been effective?
- A. Carla is completely pain free but is taking large doses of OTC acetaminophen.
- B. Carla reports some pain but states she was able to engage in the full walking tour with occasional rest periods.
- C. Carla admits that she is not taking the medication because she has just learned to live with the pain.
- D. Carla tried a few nonpharmacologic recommendations but has opted to simply double the prescribed dose.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The treatment plan is effective if Carla achieves her functional goal of completing a walking tour with minimal pain and occasional rest (B), aligning with her stated goals of 1/10 pain at rest and 3/10 with activity. Complete pain relief with high acetaminophen doses (A) risks toxicity, ignoring medications (C) indicates nonadherence, and doubling doses (D) is unsafe.