Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions related questions and content

The nurse recognizes that which patient is likely to benefit most from patient-controlled analgesia?

  • A. 21-year-old with a C4 fracture and quadriplegia
  • B. 45-year-old with femur fracture and closed head injury
  • C. 59-year-old postoperative elective bariatric surgery
  • D. 70-year-old postoperative cardiac surgery; mild demen tia
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the 21-year-old with a C4 fracture and quadriplegia. This patient is likely to benefit most from patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) due to the inability to self-administer traditional pain medications. With quadriplegia, the patient may have limited mobility and sensation, making it challenging to communicate pain levels effectively. PCA allows the patient to control their pain relief within preset limits, enhancing autonomy and optimizing pain management.

Summary:
- Choice B: The 45-year-old with femur fracture and closed head injury may benefit from PCA, but the severity of the head injury could affect their ability to use the device effectively.
- Choice C: The 59-year-old postoperative elective bariatric surgery patient can typically manage pain with traditional methods postoperatively.
- Choice D: The 70-year-old postoperative cardiac surgery patient with mild dementia may have the cognitive ability to use PCA but could potentially benefit more from other pain management strategies due