Author Question: A nurse is caring for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who is now going to be taking 2 ... (Read 61 times)

cherise1989 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is caring for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who is now going to be taking 2 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets every 6 hours to control pain. Which part of the patient's social history is the nurse most concerned about?

a. Patient drinks 1 to 2 glasses of wine every night.
b. Patient smokes 2 packs of cigarettes a day.
c. Patient occasionally smokes marijuana.
d. Patient takes antianxiety medications.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a patient for opioid tolerance. Which finding supports the nurse's assessment?

a. Increasingly higher doses of opioid are needed to control pain.
b. The patient needed a substantial dose of naloxone (Narcan).
c. The patient asks for pain medication close to the time it is due around the clock.
d. The patient no longer experiences sedation from the usual dose of opioid.

Sophiapenny · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The major adverse effect of acetaminophen is hepatotoxicity. Because both alcohol and acetaminophen are metabolized by the liver, when taken together, they can cause liver damage. Smoking cigarettes and smoking marijuana are not healthy behaviors, but their effects on health are not affected by acetaminophen. Antianxiety medications can be taken with acetaminophen.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Opioid tolerance occurs when a patient needs higher doses of an opioid to control pain. Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist that is given to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Taking pain medications regularly around the clock is an effective way to control pain. The pain medication for this patient is most likely effectively managing the patient's pain because the patient is not asking for the medication before it is due. A patient no longer experiencing a side effect of an opioid does not indicate opioid tolerance.