When medicating a client for cancer pain, the nursing goal should be to:
a. avoid the use of narcotics for as long as possible
b. give the correct amount of medication in relation to the client's level of pain
c. medicate the client within 10 minutes of each request for pain medication
d. prevent pain rather than treat it after its occurrence
D
Pain can result from metastasis of cancer to the bone or obstruction of venous or lymphatic circulation; it usually does not occur until the client's cancer is in advanced stages. The effects of a client's pain are both physical and psychological. It is essential for the nurse and the family to try to prevent pain whenever possible, to rely on the client's self-report of pain, and to use prescribed medications and therapies to provide adequate pain relief.
You might also like to view...
A young pregnant woman calls the clinic nurse and begins crying. When the nurse asks the young woman to tell the nurse what is wrong, the pregnant woman states, "I look terrible. I have dark blotches on my face. It looks like I am wearing a mask
The nurse would be correct in explaining to the woman that what is being described sounds like which of the following? a. Acne c. Facial dermatitis b. Linea nigra d. Mask of pregnancy
The nurse is assessing a child with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The child is taking shallow respirations. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?
a. an attempt to minimize pain c. exhaustion and lack of energy b. a deficiency of carbon dioxide d. strained chest muscles
A student nurse is learning about the appropriate use of touch when communicating with clients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Which statement by the instructor best provides information about this aspect of therapeutic communication?
A. "Touch carries a different meaning for different individuals." B. "Touch is often used when deescalating volatile client situations." C. "Touch is used to convey interest and warmth." D. "Touch is best combined with empathy when dealing with anxious clients."
A hospitalized patient who is given one dose of flurazepam continues to show drowsiness the next day. A nursing student asks the nurse the reason for this, because the drug's half-life is only 2 to 3 hours
Which response by the nurse is correct? a. "Benzodiazepines commonly cause residual effects lasting into the day after the dose is given." b. "The patient is having a paradoxical reaction to this medication." c. "This patient must have developed a previous tolerance to benzodiazepines." d. "When this drug is metabolized, the resulting compound has longer lasting effects."