Author Question: A nurse is caring for a client with pain caused by terminal illness. The primary care provider has ... (Read 94 times)

Mr.Thesaxman · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is caring for a client with pain caused by terminal illness. The primary care provider has prescribed an opioid for the client. The nurse would be alert for the development of which of the following?

A) Emphysema
B) Alopecia
C) Dehydration
D) Severe anorexia

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a client who is addicted to opioids. The physician has prescribed maintenance therapy using methadone for detoxification. Which of the following should the nurse keep in mind when caring for the client undergoing this therapy?

A) Dosages vary according to length of the client's addiction.
B) Methadone is discontinued on an outpatient basis.
C) Dosages vary according to the client's weight.
D) Male clients are prescribed higher doses than female clients.

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

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
Feedback:
The nurse should monitor the client for severe anorexia, which is one of the adverse reactions of opioid analgesics on the GI system. Other adverse effects on the GI system include constipation, nausea, and acute abdominal pain. The nurse need not monitor the client for emphysema, alopecia, or severe headache. Opioid analgesics do not cause emphysema, but their administration is contraindicated in clients who have this condition. Administration of opioid analgesics is not known to cause alopecia or dehydration in clients.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
Feedback:
The nurse must keep in mind that dosages vary with clients, the length of addiction, and the average amount of drug used each day. Dosages do not vary according to clients' weights. Methadone is not discontinued on an outpatient basis. Clients enrolled in an outpatient methadone program for detoxification or maintenance therapy on methadone must continue to receive methadone when hospitalized. Male clients are not prescribed higher doses than females.