The nurse is reviewing the use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump with a client in the immediate postoperative period. The client will receive morphine 1 mg IV per hour basal rate with 1 mg IV every 15 minutes per PCA to total 5 mg IV maximally per hour. What assessment has the highest priority before initiating the PCA pump?
A) The expiration date on the morphine syringe in the pump.
B) The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
C) The type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure.
D) The client's subjective and objective signs of pain.
Answer: B) The rate and depth of the client's respirations.
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The nurse instructs a woman on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and informs her of the risk for which of the following conditions?
1. Hot flashes 2. Increased calcium deposits 3. Heart attack 4. Weight loss
The nurse is caring for a client with a temporary pacemaker. The client's bedside monitor shows a spike followed by a QRS complex. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Remove the pacemaker; it is not needed. b. Decrease the threshold of the pacemaker. c. Document the finding in the client's chart. d. Set the pacemaker to the synchronous mode.
The nurse is informing a patient about an upcoming diagnostic procedure. What statement by the nurse would demonstrate effective communication?
a. "Mr. Brown, your leg is to be x-rayed in the x-ray department in an hour." b. "X-ray is coming to get you for an AP and lateral of your chest." c. "You can't eat anything after supper because of some lab work." d. "Mrs. Smith, the OR has notified us that they're running behind."
When using the services of an interpreter, it is important to:
1. use any family member who can interpret. 2. use an interpreter who is certified and document his/her name in the nursing notes. 3. speak only to the interpreter. 4. use an interpreter only in an emergency.