The nurse administers a narcotic analgesic to the postoperative patient. What is the best way for the nurse to evaluate response to the medication?
A) Observe the patient without her awareness.
B) Use a pain assessment tool before and 30 minutes after administration.
C) Assess vital signs.
D) Measure oxygen saturation.
B
Feedback:
A standard pain assessment tool should be used both pre- and post-analgesia. Observing the patient when she is not aware you are watching, assessing vital signs, and measuring oxygen saturation may all contribute useful data but it would not be the best means of determining pain response following analgesic administration.
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State the action of norepinephrine.
What will be an ideal response?