The nurse is reviewing the admission orders for an older adult ...

[Alainaaa8]

The nurse is reviewing the admission orders for an older adult client who is being admitted for a hysterectomy. The client, who has been diagnosed as having uterine cancer, has chronic pain caused by arthritis. The healthcare provider has prescribed long-
 
  What should the nurse do when providing the medication to the client?
  A) Administer the medication when the client requests.
  B) Administer the medication around the clock.
  C) Consult the physician to order intravenous pain medication.
  D) Administer the medication sparingly to avoid narcotic addiction.

Question 2

A preschool-age client's IV has infiltrated and must be restarted immediately for medication administration. There is no time for placing local anesthetic cream on the skin to decrease the pain associated with the procedure.
 
  Which complementary therapy would be most helpful when placing the IV for this pediatric client?
  A) Moderate sedation
  B) Restraint using a Mummy Wrap
  C) Anesthesia
  D) Distraction using bubbles

[vseab]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B

Pain medication is best when it is administered around the clock. Needless suffering occurs when the medication is used sparingly or when waiting for the client to request something for pain. The elderly are less likely to become addicted to narcotics. Oral medications are the least invasive and may provide sufficient relief; therefore, they should be tried first.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: D

Complementary therapies-especially guided imagery, relaxation techniques, and distraction-can reduce the anxiety associated with the anticipation of the procedure. Bubbles would provide distraction for this pediatric client. All the other choices are not considered complementary therapies and are inappropriate for the situation.