What is a priority assessment question to ask a postsurgical patient prior to administration of an opioid analgesic?
1. "Have you ever been addicted to prescription pain medications?"
2. "Why do you want to receive this pain medication?"
3. "Would you like me to help you change your position for comfort?"
4. "Would you please rate your pain on a scale of 1-to-10?"
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: The nurse should always assess the patient's level of pain prior to the administration of an analgesic. Asking a postsurgical patient why a pain medication is requested does not make a lot of sense. Administration of pain medication postsurgery is a priority; this is not the time to assess if the patient has an addiction. Offering to help a postsurgical patient change positions is appropriate, but should be done after the patient receives the pain medication.
You might also like to view...
Heart rate will rise in response to
A) an increase in arterial blood pressure. B) release of acetylcholine. C) stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. D) release of norepinephrine.
What behavior signals that a nurse caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa is experiencing rescue feelings? The nurse:
a. makes nonjudgmental comments. b. refers the patient to a self-help group for persons with eating disorders. c. teaches the patient about signs of increased anxiety and ways to intervene. d. determines the patient has poor eating habits and provides a diet to follow.
An agent that increases uric acid excretion and prevents blood clot formation is:
a. colchicine. c. probenecid. b. allopurinol. d. sulfinpyrazone.
Why do patients typically prefer home care over hospital care?
A. Patients feel better wearing personal clothing and preparing their own favorite foods. B. Patients are comforted by the feeling of control and the familiarity of their own home. C. Patients know more visitors can stop by without concern for the number of chairs. D. Patients resent the constant interruptions by nurses and other caregivers in a hospital.