A client who had abdominal surgery is receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) intravenously to manage pain. The pump is programmed to deliver a basal dose and bolus doses that can be accessed by the client with a lock-out time frame of 10 minutes. The nurse assesses use of the pump during the last hour and identifies that the client attempted to self-administer the analgesic 10 times. Further assessment reveals that the client is still experiencing pain. What should the nurse do FIRST?
a) monitor the client's pain level for another hour
b) determine the integrity of the intravenous delivery system
c) reprogram the pump to deliver a bolus dose every 8 minutes
d) arrange for the client to be evaluated by the health care provider
Answer: b) determine the integrity of the intravenous delivery system
You might also like to view...
A nurse is preparing to review an overweight client's food recall diary for the past week. Which of the following choices would be most helpful when teaching a client about recommended portion sizes?
1. Measuring cups 2. Food cups 3. Everyday items such as a deck of cards 4. Plastic containers
Throughout the world the rate of ectopic pregnancy has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. This is believed to be due primarily to scarring of the fallopian tubes as a result of pelvic infection, inflammation, or surgery
The nurse who suspects that a patient has early signs of ectopic pregnancy should be observing her for symptoms such as (select all that apply) a. Pelvic pain b. Abdominal pain c. Unanticipated heavy bleeding d. Vaginal spotting or light bleeding e. Missed period
A community-based pain management program is being planned for your region. As a coordinator of a home care agency, you have been requested to develop a conceptual framework, mission statement, philosophy, and objectives for the program
In what order will you pursue this endeavor? a. Objectives, philosophy, and mission statement b. Philosophy, objectives, and mission statement c. Philosophy, mission statement, and objectives d. Mission statement, philosophy, and objectives
A patient is weak, has diarrhea, and is refusing to use the bedpan but is on bed rest and unable to get out of bed. Which is the best nursing intervention to maintain patient dignity?
a. Keep the bedpan out of the patient's sight until it is needed. b. Reassure the patient that most people use the bedpan willingly. c. Instruct the patient that the only alterna-tive for elimination is to use the bedpan. d. Explain to the patient how the nurse en-sures privacy and safety when the patient is using the bedpan.