Nokea
A patient is receiving epidural analgesics. What should the nurse monitor closely in this patient?
- A. Temperature elevation from 98°F to 99.2°F (36.6°C to 37.3°C)
- B. Increase in pulse rate from 88 to 99
- C. Decrease in respirations from 16 to 14
- D. Decrease in blood pressure from 120/80 to 110/68
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Administering epidural analgesics requires close monitoring for respiratory depression. None of the other options is indicative of opiate toxicity.
You may also like to solve these questions
What action should the nurse take when evaluating the effectiveness of new or revised therapies for pain relief?
- A. Observe the patient performing activities of daily living.
- B. Observe the patient's facial expressions.
- C. Frequently assess subjective data.
- D. Perform evaluation of outcome goals.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Continuous evaluation allows the nurse to determine if new or revised therapies are required.
A young athlete asks the nurse why he felt little pain when he broke his leg during a game. Which of the following can have an effect on this patient's perception of pain?
- A. Hormones
- B. Enzymes
- C. Adrenaline
- D. Endorphins
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Endorphins found in the pituitary gland and other areas of the central nervous system create the same effect as morphine, producing an analgesic effect.
When assessing pain which of the following is included in pain assessment?
- A. The initial assessment
- B. Discharge planning
- C. Assessing vital signs
- D. Care planning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Making pain a vital sign would ensure that pain is monitored on a regular basis.
The nurse clarifies that the term peripheral analgesics describes the group of drugs also referred to as ___.
Correct Answer: NSAIDs
Rationale: Peripheral analgesics are also the group of drugs referred to as NSAIDs.
The nurse teaches noninvasive pain relief techniques such as guided imagery biofeedback and relaxation. What is the primary advantage of these techniques?
- A. Can be done any time.
- B. Does not require a nurse.
- C. Gives the patient some control.
- D. Is most effective.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The greatest advantage of noninvasive pain relief techniques is that they give the patient some control.