Author Question: A nurse reviews prescriptions for an 82-year-old client with a fractured left hip. Which ... (Read 115 times)

go.lag · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse reviews prescriptions for an 82-year-old client with a fractured left hip. Which prescription should alert the nurse to contact the provider and express concerns for client safety?

a. Meperidine (Demerol) 50 mg IV every 4 hours
b. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine sulfate
c. Percocet 2 tablets orally every 6 hours PRN for pain
d. Ibuprofen elixir every 8 hours for first 2 days

Question 2

A nurse delegates care of a client in traction to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating hygiene care for this client?

a. Remove the traction when re-positioning the client.
b. Inspect the client's skin when performing a bed bath.
c. Provide pin care by using alcohol wipes to clean the sites.
d. Ensure that the weights remain freely hanging at all times.

deja · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Meperidine (Demerol) should not be used for older adults because it has toxic metabolites that can cause seizures. The nurse should question this prescription. The other prescriptions are appropriate for this client's pain management.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Traction weights should be freely hanging at all times. They should not be lifted manually or allowed to rest on the floor. The client should remain in traction during hygiene activities. The nurse should assess the client's skin and provide pin and wound care for a client who is in traction; this should not be delegated to the UAP.