Author Question: A patient who had knee surgery received intramuscular ketorolac (Toradol) 30 minutes ago and ... (Read 170 times)

leo leo · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient who had knee surgery received intramuscular ketorolac (Toradol) 30 minutes ago and continues to complain of pain at a level of 7 (0 to 10 scale). Which action is best for the nurse to take at this time?

a. Administer the prescribed PRN IV morphine sulfate.
b. Notify the health care provider about the ongoing knee pain.
c. Reassure the patient that postoperative pain is expected after knee surgery.
d. Teach the patient that the effects of ketorolac typically last about 6 to 8 hours.

Question 2

The nurse reviews the laboratory results for a patient on the first postoperative day after a hiatal hernia repair. Which finding would indicate to the nurse that the patient is at increased risk for poor wound healing?

a. Potassium 3.5 mEq/L
b. Albumin level 2.2 g/dL
c. Hemoglobin 11.2 g/dL
d. White blood cells 11,900/L

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The priority at this time is pain relief. Concomitant use of opioids and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) improves pain control in postoperative patients. Patient teaching and reassurance are appropriate, but should be done after the patient's pain is relieved. If the patient continues to have pain after the morphine is administered, the health care provider should be notified.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Because proteins are needed for an appropriate inflammatory response and wound healing, the low serum albumin level (normal level 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL) indicates a risk for poor wound healing. The potassium level is normal. Because a small amount of blood loss is expected with surgery, the hemoglobin level is not indicative of an increased risk for wound healing. WBC count is expected to increase after surgery as a part of the normal inflammatory response.