The nurse is discussing pain control with an older patient who has been prescribed an opiate. When the patient expresses concerns about the diminishing effect that the medication has had on the pain, the nurse responds
a. "It appears that the dosage you take needs to be adjusted upward."
b. "We need to be concerned about you de-veloping a drug tolerance."
c. "This drug category is well known for its low ceiling effect."
d. "Opiate addiction is a concern when to-lerance occurs."
A
Tolerance is defined as the diminished effect of a drug while maintaining the same dosage over time. It is a characteristic of opiates when given over time. With opiates, some individuals might need higher and higher doses of a drug to maintain effectiveness. This should not be confused with addiction.
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A patient with a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is overwhelmed by his diagnosis and the known complications of the disease. How can the patient best make known his wishes for care as his disease progresses?
A) Prepare an advance directive. B) Designate a most responsible physician (MRP) early in the course of the disease. C) Collaborate with representatives from the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association. D) Ensure that witnesses are present when he provides instruction.
A nutrient that can be made by the body is called
a. essential. b. complete. c. incomplete. d. nonessential.
A 67-year-old white lawyer has received a diagnosis of major depression. He was widowed 3 years ago and has had no interest in attending synagogue services since that time. He has taken fluoxetine (Prozac?) for several years
He made a suicide attempt 45 years ago, during his first year in law school. He has been transported to the emergency department by ambulance after telling his son he was thinking of swallowing his whole bottle of fluoxetine. How many risk factors for suicide will the triage nurse document? A) Three B) Five C) Seven D) Nine
Which of the following nursing notes demonstrates the best evaluation of nursing interventions regarding the care provided?
1. "Pressure ulcer located on left heel has shown improvement." 2. "Pressure ulcer located on left heel has responded to treatment." 3. "Pressure ulcer on left heel is no longer producing purulent drainage." 4. "Pressure ulcer on left heel has not enlarged in size within the last 24 hours."