The nurse reviews the medication orders for an older patient with arthritis in both hips who is complaining of level 3 (0 to 10 scale) hip pain while ambulating. Which medication should the nurse use as initial therapy?
a. Naproxen (Aleve) 200 mg orally
b. Oxycodone (Roxicodone) 5 mg orally
c. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg orally
d. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) 650 mg orally
ANS: C
Acetaminophen is the best first-choice medication. The principle of "start low, go slow" is used to guide therapy when treating older adults because the ability to metabolize medications is decreased and the likelihood of medication interactions is increased. Nonopioid analgesics are used first for mild to moderate pain, although opioids may be used later. Aspirin and the NSAIDs are associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in older patients.
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The nurse is caring for a woman who had a right-sided mastectomy 2 years ago. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Place a sign above the bed: "No blood pressures on the right arm." b. Place a sign above the bed: "No continuous blood pressures on the right arm." c. Place a sign above the bed: "Blood pressures in legs only." d. No specific action is needed for this situation.
Both members of an expectant couple are carriers for phenylketonuria (PKU), an autosomal recessive disorder. In counseling them about the risk to their unborn child, the nurse should tell them that
a. The child has a 25% chance of being affected. b. The child will be a carrier, like the parents. c. The child has a 50% chance of being affected. d. One of four of their children will be affected.
Which form of headache is bilateral?
A. Cluster B. Tension C. Migraine D. Acute angle closure glaucoma
Groupthink can be a barrier to effective team functioning. What are reasons groupthink occurs? Select all that apply
1. The team pressures members to agree with everyone on the team. 2. The group is closely associated with the consequences of its actions. 3. There is a general closed-mindedness prevalent in the group. 4. The team accepts too many suggestions. 5. Members are unwilling to go against group ideas.