An older adult who injured her knee several years ago tells the nurse that she has been managing the resulting intermittent pain with a prescription for propoxyphene (Darvon). The nurse is con-cerned with this treatment plan, primarily because
a. less expensive alternative analgesics are available.
b. this long-term need for a narcotic warrants investigation.
c. aspirin would likely be as effective in managing the pain.
d. the knee should not still be causing pain for the patient.
B
The nurse needs to complete a full assessment to determine what type of pain the patient is expe-riencing and if a narcotic is the best alternative for the patient. Other medications may be more beneficial.
You might also like to view...
An elderly male client undergoes a bladder retraining program as part of the treatment for urinary incontinence. The nurse advises him to wear barrier garments such as liners and protective pants
Which of the following suggestions should the nurse offer to the client to maintain skin integrity? A) Avoid the application of moisture sealant. B) Expose the affected area to air. C) Use scented sprays or perfumes. D) Avoid using an electric room deodorizer.
A nursing student develops a teaching plan about hand washing to present to a group of elemen-tary school children at the local school. Which of the following public health interventions is be-ing implemented?
a. Collaboration b. Surveillance c. Health teaching d. Screening
When a child with transposition of the greater vessels is assessed, the nurse should anticipate that:
1. The lower extremities will have bounding pulses. 2. Cyanosis will be noted when the child is sleeping on his/her back. 3. An ASD murmur will be present. 4. The oxygen saturations in the upper extremities will be lower than the oxygen saturations in the lower extremities.
A patient recently was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The patient, who has a history of seasonal allergies, is an athlete who participates in track
The nurse is teaching the patient about lithium (Lithobid), which the prescriber has just ordered. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further teaching? a. "I can continue to use ibuprofen as needed for muscle pain." b. "I should drink extra fluids before and during exercise." c. "I should not use antihistamines while taking lithium." d. "I should report muscle weakness and tremors to my provider."