When planning the care of a terminally ill patient, the nurse must include the prevention of pain and relief from discomfort. When administering pain medication, the nurse must keep in mind that:
1. narcotics have the potential for addiction.
2. pain medication must be given before the pain becomes unbearable.
3. pain medication should be given no more often than every 6 hours.
4. narcotics must be given PRN only.
2
Pain control must be consistent to provide constant relief rather than wait until the pain is unbearable and then try to relieve it. Addiction to narcotics is of little concern.
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A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who is receiving antiviral therapy. Which of the following would the nurse include? Select all that apply
A) "Only notify your physician if an allergic reaction to the antiviral drug occurs." B) "These drugs are not a cure for the viral infection, but they will shorten the course of disease." C) "Mark a calendar to designate the days the drug is to be taken so that you can keep to the ordered alternate-dosage schedule." D) "These drugs will help in preventing the spread of the infection to those around you." E) "Take precautions when you're outside because you might experience a sunburn reaction."
The nurse is reviewing the records of four patients on heparin therapy. Which patient does the nurse determine has the highest risk for a bleeding disorder during heparin therapy?
a. A 10-year-old patient with an acute viral infection b. A female patient who gave birth more than 6 weeks ago c. A patient who takes a nonsteroidal antiin-flammatory drug d. A 60-year-old patient with kidney stones
Nurse practitioner prescriptive authority is regulated by:
1. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing 2. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration 3. The State Board of Nursing for each state 4. The State Board of Pharmacy
The nurse is aware that drugs can block, decrease, or increase the actions of another drug. Laxatives can have which effect on drug absorption?
a. Increase b. Decrease c. Block d. Enhance