Author Question: The patient who had abdominal surgery this morning refuses the opioid pain medication for fear of ... (Read 92 times)

Brittanyd9008 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The patient who had abdominal surgery this morning refuses the opioid pain medication for fear of addiction. How should the nurse respond?

a. Opioids are addictive, whereas nonste-roidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not.
b. Addiction is mainly a matter of attitude.
c. Fewer than 3 of people become ad-dicted to drugs used for pain relief.
d. Although addiction does occur, it is quickly reversed.

Question 2

The patient on frequent doses of meperidine (Demerol) complains of constipation. Which initial intervention is best?

a. Offer fruit such as prunes or apricots.
b. Request an order for an enema.
c. Report the condition to the charge nurse.
d. Increase oral fluid intake.

leahchrapun · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Pain from abdominal surgery is acute pain. This patient is not experiencing chronic pain that will require ongoing pain medication, and addiction occurs in fewer than 3 of people who take pain medication. Any medication can be addictive. Addiction is often not merely a matter of attitude. Finally, addictions typically require long-term therapy.

Answer to Question 2

D
Increasing fluid intake is the best initial approach because additional fluid allows the body to correct the problem naturally. Fruits can be offered, but increasing the fluid intake is the most effective and priority intervention. An enema is invasive and is not an early intervention for con-stipation. The nurse should be able to implement proper care without reporting the constipation to the charge nurse.