The nurse working in a pain clinic is caring for a client with chronic pain who has a history of gastric bypass and is currently taking an opioid but obtaining inadequate pain relief
The client is likely to need medication that he can take at home on a long-term basis. The nurse anticipates that which of the following would be most effective for relief of pain for this client? 1. Oramorph SR PO every 8 hours
2. Demerol 50 mg IM every 4 hours
3. Morphine 5 mg per rectum
4. Fentanyl via transdermal patch
4
Rationale: The fentanyl patch delivers an opioid for up to 72 hours, and is available in different strengths as needed for comfort. This would be an ideal medication for the client in the home who is unable to take PO medication due to gastric bypass surgery, who will likely have absorption problems with PO medications. Teaching the client to self-administer IM injections would be a measure of last resort, because repeated IM injections risks muscle damage. Rectal medications might be the second choice if transdermal patches do not relieve the client's pain.
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______________ ____________ has always been called the "founder of nursing."
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word.
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