The nurse is initiating a client-controlled anesthesia (PCA) pump ...

[dalyningkenk]

The nurse is initiating a client-controlled anesthesia (PCA) pump delivering morphine sulfate for an older school-age client post-appendectomy.
 
  Prior to connecting the PCA tubing to the client's IV fluid line, which action by the nurse is the priority?
  1. Clamping the PCA tubing
  2. Delivering the loading dose
  3. Setting the safety parameters for the infusion on the PCA pump
  4. Clamping the client's primary IV fluid line

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a client's chronic pain. The client indicates the pain is in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, rates the pain as a 9 on a 1-10 scale, and describes the pain as sharp and continuous.
 
  What else would the nurse assess regarding this client's pain?
  1. Onset, duration, and recurrence
  2. Location
  3. Intensity
  4. Quality

[Jane]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Before connecting the PCA to the client's IV line, the nurse should make sure the PCA tubing is clamped to avoid an accidental administration of narcotics. The loading dose is administered after properly programming the PCA pump. After connecting the PCA tubing to the client's IV line, the nurse would set the safety parameters. Clamping the client's primary IV line could result in occlusion of the IV catheter.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

The nurse would question when the pain began, how long it has lasted, and what causes the pain to recur, if it is intermittent. The client has already indicated the location (upper right quadrant), intensity (9 on a 1-10 scale), and quality (sharp and continuous).