Which is the best pain medication option for a patient to manage severe long-term cancer pain at home?
a. Duragesic 50 mcg transdermal patch q 72 hours
b. Meperidine (Demerol) 50 mg IM q 6 hours
c. Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 0.2 mg q 10 minutes IV via PCA pump
d. Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 0.08 mg/hour infusion through epidural catheter
ANS: A
Duragesic transdermal patch is the best pain management option for home use with patients who have long-term, severe cancer pain as no injections are required and the fentanyl is slowly released over 72 hours. Epidurals and PCA pumps are intended for hospital use. Frequent IM injections require nursing administration and are not optimal for chronic long-term pain.
You might also like to view...
Researchers have determined four common features to transitions. Which of the following is not one of the four features?
a. A stage of denial b. An altered time perspective c. Disturbances in bodily function d. A phase of turmoil
An individual with type 2 diabetes who takes glipizide (Glucotrol) to control her blood glucose has begun a formal exercise program at a local gym. While exercising on the treadmill, she becomes pale, diaphoretic, and shaky
She has a headache and feels as though she is going to pass out. What is the individual's priority action? a. Drink additional water to prevent dehydration. b. Eat something with 15 g of simple carbohydrates. c. Go to the first aid station to have glucose checked. d. Take another dose of the oral agent.
The nurse is providing morning hygiene for an older adult patient who requires total care due to late-stage Alzheimer's disease. In recent weeks, the patient has shown signs of dermatitis on various skin surfaces
When providing a bed bath for this patient, the nurse should do which of the following? A) Use only water to wash and rinse the patient's skin surfaces. B) Utilize a deodorant soap to reduce the risk of skin breakdown due to excessive perspiration. C) Avoid using a towel to dry the patient's skin. D) Use a mild soap or a soap substitute when washing the patient's skin.
Touching a person is never an invasion of personal space.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)