The nurse is caring for a patient in the emergency department with a severe headache due to viral meningitis. The patient requests an opioid analgesic. What explanation about opioids should the nurse provide?
a. "Opioid analgesics may make assessment of mental status changes difficult."
b. "Opioid analgesics increase intracranial pressure."
c. "Opioid analgesics are contraindicated in patients with meningitis."
d. "Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is more effective in treating meningitis-related headaches."
ANS: A
Opioid analgesics (with the possible exception of codeine) are usually avoided because they mask neurological symptoms and make detection of changes difficult. They do not increase intracranial pressure, and they are not contraindicated for other reasons. Tylenol is much less effective than an opioid.
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A patient says, "I dreamed I was stoned. When I woke up, I felt emotionally drained, as though I hadn't rested well." Which comment would be appropriate if the nurse seeks clarification?
a. "It sounds as though you were uncomfortable with the content of your dream." b. "I understand what you're saying. Bad dreams leave me feeling tired, too." c. "So, all in all, you feel as though you had a rather poor night's sleep?" d. "Can you give me an example of what you mean by stoned?"
A patient requires toenail care. While the nurse performs nail care and nail care education the patient is instructed to always do which of the following?
a. Use clippers or manicure scissors to trim the nails straight across. b. Apply a hot water bottle to the feet before foot care to soften the tissues. c. Apply over-the-counter preparations to any foot fungus or disease. d. Apply moist wet-to-dry dressing on any cuts and cover with socks.
During a funduscopic examination of a school-age child, the nurse notes a brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes. The nurse should recognize that this is which?
a. A normal finding b. A sign of a possible visual defect and a need for vision screening c. An abnormal finding requiring referral to an ophthalmologist d. A sign of small hemorrhages, which usually resolve spontaneously
Spiritual beliefs are important to all patients.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)