The nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis. To provide adequate pain control, the nurse:
a. should suggest that the patient receive epidural analgesia.
b. provides oral pain medication on an "as needed" (PRN) basis.
c. removes any nasogastric tubes.
d. administers pain medication on a routine schedule.
D
Analgesic administration is a nursing priority. Adequate pain control requires the use of IV opiates, often in the form of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. In the case in which a PCA pump is not ordered, pain medications are administered on a routine schedule, rather than as needed, to prevent uncontrollable abdominal pain. Insertion of a nasogastric tube connected to low intermittent suction may help ease pain.
You might also like to view...
In differentiating between health and wellness in health care, the following is true:
a. Health is a broad term encompassing attitudes and behaviors. b. The concept of illness prevention was never considered by previous generations. c. Wellness and self-actualization develop through learning and growth. d. It is impossible to have wellness when one's health is compromised.
A newborn who has not voided by 48 hours after birth should be assessed for which of the following? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply
1. Restlessness 2. Pain 3. Kidney distention 4. Adequacy of fluid intake 5. Lethargy
The nurse is setting up a sterile field. Which action by the nurse best exhibits surgical asepsis?
1. Disinfecting an item before adding it to a sterile field 2. Allowing sterile gloved hands to fall below the waist 3. Suctioning the oral cavity of an unconscious client 4. Touching only the inside surface of the first glove while pulling it onto the hand
The nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin) and diltiazem (Cardizem). The nurse recognizes which finding as representing an adverse interaction of this combination of drugs?
1. Peripheral edema 2. Headache 3. Hypertension 4. Bradycardia