List the general instructions for administering pain medications.
What will be an ideal response?
Answers will vary.
To be effective, analgesics must be given on time. The objective is to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Let patients know that the medication you are giving is for pain. If the pain reliever is a narcotic, remember to discard the unused portion (chart this properly!) and the equipment used to administer it. Some analgesics have antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. With these drugs, take the patient's temperature as ordered, give extra liquids, and chart these procedures so that the doctor can review the patient's progress. Pain medications ordered before surgery must be given on time so that they take effect before the procedure begins. Insist on undisturbed bed rest for the patient after giving a preoperative medication. After surgery, check on the patient often and administer pain medications as needed.
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A patient is diagnosed with Raynaud's disease. The nurse is aware that this disease is characterized by:
A) Venous thrombosis B) Arteriolar vasoconstriction C) Arterial vasodilatation D) Intermittent claudication
The nurse is admitting a patient with a sudden onset of dyspnea and a blowing high-pitched murmur. The nurse is most concerned about which condition?
1. Aortic stenosis 2. Acute mitral valve stenosis 3. Acute mitral valve regurgitation 4. Mitral valve prolapse
The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction. While providing cardiac education, the nurse realizes that the patient needs more education when he:
a. describes changes in his behavior that may improve cardiovascular function. b. describes the schedule, dosage, and purpose of his medication. c. states that he will take his medication when he has chest pain or when his heart rate is greater than 100. d. describes the benefits of taking his medication regularly.
The nurse understands that one advantage of inhaled pulmonary drugs over oral drugs is that inhaled drugs
1. increase adverse effects. 2. allow for convenience to the client. 3. are delivered to systemic locations. 4. allow for quick absorption.