The nurse is caring for a terminally ill cancer patient who is ...

[faduma]

The nurse is caring for a terminally ill cancer patient who is receiving palliative care. The patient's wife asks how her husband's pain will be controlled as he nears death. Which is the nurse's best response?
 
  a. Most of the time we can manage the pain with oral morphine and transdermal pain medication.
  b. We will probably have to start an IV to administer morphine to control the intense pain he may be experiencing.
  c. Dying patients typically do not have any pain, so this will not be an issue.
  d. I will have to check with your husband's physician to see how he wants us to handle pain control.

Question 2

A student nurse questions the nurse about the difference between a quadriplegic and a tetraplegic patient. Which statement correctly describes tetraplegia?
 
  a. Tetraplegic patients are capable of fewer fine motor movements.
  b. Tetraplegic patients can experience pain in paralyzed parts.
  c. Tetraplegic patients are more easily reha-bilitated.
  d. Tetraplegia is the newer term for the old term quadriplegia.

[nicoleclaire22]

Answer to Question 1

A
Oral and transdermal pain control methods are most often used for the terminally ill patient near death. An IV is not typically started on a patient near death who is receiving palliative care. Dying patients do experience pain. The plan of care should be in place for the patient receiving palliative care, so the physician would not be contacted for pain medication orders.

Answer to Question 2

D
Tetraplegia is the newer term for the old term quadriplegia.

[faduma]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[coreycathey]

TYSM