Nokea
A patient is receiving an opioid narcotic. What common side effect should the nurse be aware of when assessing this patient?
- A. Addiction
- B. Vomiting
- C. Constipation
- D. Diarrhea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Constipation is the most common opioid narcotic side effect for which patients do not develop a tolerance.
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What action should the nurse implement when assisting a postoperative patient with pain control and comfort?
- A. Pull the patient up in bed.
- B. Lift the patient up in bed.
- C. Tighten constricting bandages.
- D. Restrict fluid and dietary intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pain control and comfort measures include loosening constricting bandages, lifting, not pulling the patient up in bed, and preventing constipation by encouraging appropriate fluid and dietary intake.
The home health nurse is instructing the family of an older adult patient with arthritis about sleep promotion. What intervention can best promote sleep for the older adult patient?
- A. Giving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the mornings
- B. Administering diuretics in the mornings
- C. Encouraging daytime sleeping
- D. Avoiding the stimulation of backrubs or warm drinks before bedtime
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Older adults sleep lightly. Give NSAIDs before bedtime for comfort. Diuretics should be given in the mornings to reduce having to wake up to go to the bathroom during the night. Daytime sleeping may negatively affect nighttime sleep. Nonpharmacologic interventions are helpful to induce sleep.
When should a nurse administer prescribed analgesic medication when treating a postoperative patient?
- A. Before activity
- B. Only when requested by the health care provider
- C. Only when requested by the family
- D. Only when requested by the patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To control pain early, an analgesic should be given 30 to 40 minutes before a patient must walk or perform an activity. PRN medications should be given around the clock to effectively control moderately severe to severe pain. Waiting for the patient or family to request analgesics results in delays in administration and inadequate pain control.
The nurse is caring for a patient using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). What is a major advantage to this method?
- A. Less expensive
- B. More effective
- C. Less addictive
- D. Quicker
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The use of the PCA gives quicker relief as there is no delay in waiting for the nurse to respond to the request for analgesia.
The nurse explains that transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation provides a continuous mild electric current to the skin. How does the TENS unit act to reduce pain?
- A. Distracts the patient.
- B. Blocks endorphin production.
- C. Warms the skin.
- D. Blocks pain impulses.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: TENS works by blocking pain impulses.