The client with severe chronic pain has been admitted to the ...

[bucstennis@aim.com]

The client with severe chronic pain has been admitted to the hospital for an unrelated illness. The client is taking an NSAID plus a moderate dose of an opioid for pain control. Which of the following would the nurse plan to assess?
 
  1. Client's safety rating at home
  2. The client's exercise habits
  3. The client's bowel functioning
  4. The client's nutritional status

Question 2

After shift report, the nurse is preparing to provide morning care to the assigned clients. Which of the following would be the nursing priority when planning care for the client assignment?
 
  1. Gather all equipment and supplies for each client first.
  2. Delegate the bed making to the unlicensed assistive personnel.
  3. Assess each client's need for assistance with morning care.
  4. Notify each client of the schedule for AM care.

[karlss]

Answer to Question 1

3
Rationale: The nurse is aware that opioids cause constipation by slowing down the gastrointestinal system, and will assess bowel habits to determine the need for interventions to relieve constipation. Clients on long-term opioids might need a daily laxative. If the client is experiencing constipation, the nurse would then assess nutritional and exercise habits and suggest measures to help alleviate constipation. There is no evidence that this client has any issues creating a safety risk.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: Not every client that the nurse is assigned will need help with ADLs. It is important to determine the level of assistance that each client needs before beginning care. Delegation to the UAP and collection of equipment cannot be done until the nurse determines how much help each client requires. The nurse does not tell the client the schedule for AM care, but asks the client if it would be convenient to receive AM care at this time.

[bucstennis@aim.com]

TYSM

[jomama]

Great answer, keep it coming