A patient has pain caused by a chronic condition. The patient is reluctant to take opioids because of a fear of addiction. The primary care NP should tell the patient that opioids:
a. carry a high risk of psychological dependence when used long-term.
b. will help to improve the patient's functional outcomes and quality of life.
c. will eventually become ineffective for treating pain when used over a long period.
d. may require switching from one type of opioid to another to prevent tolerance over time.
B
Chronic pain requires routine administration of drugs, and addiction is generally not a concern, especially for patients with chronic pain or terminal illness. Opioid analgesics will help the patient improve function and quality of life. Tolerance may develop, and higher doses may be required to maintain effectiveness. Randomized, controlled trials are lacking to support switching opioids to manage tolerance and side effects.
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A client with osteocarcinoma is seen at the physician's office for a checkup. During the appointment, the client reports the pain is becoming increasingly unbearable and asks the nurse about the best way to schedule analgesic medications
What information should be provided to the nurse? A) Take analgesic medications when the pain is no longer bearable. B) Take analgesic medications when the pain initially begins. C) Take the pain medications in the morning upon arising. D) Schedule the medications around the clock.
Most phenomena in nursing would be considered:
a. multicausal. b. physical. c. simple. d. unique.
A patient with a history of Parkinson's disease who is takes levodopa (Dopar) comes to the nurse's station complaining of very dark urine. The nurse should include which action in the further assessment of the patient's complaint?
a. Obtain a urinalysis to screen for blood. b. Instruct the patient to cut down on the salt intake. c. Explain to the patient that this is a harmless, expected effect. d. Instruct the patient to increase fluids to dilute the urine.
For which patient is the nurse most likely to request an order for a preoperative chest X-ray?
1. A 22-year-old with Down syndrome 2. A 50-year-old with a history of gallbladder disease 3. A 16-year-old with a history of abdominal pain 4. A 55-year-old current smoker with a recent productive cough