After complaining of discomfort from a surgical procedure, the ...

[roselinechinyere27m]

After complaining of discomfort from a surgical procedure, the patient voices fear of addiction with taking analgesics as prescribed. What information should be provided to the patient regarding these concerns?
 
  1. Addiction to opioid analgesics is rare when used for short-term postoperative pain management.
  2. Psychological tolerance is not commonly experienced by patients who take narcotic analgesics during the postoperative experience.
  3. Pain tolerance and the need for opioid analgesics are individualized.
  4. Patients should be screened for addiction potential prior to being given narcotics.
  5. I'll turn the TV on to help distract you from your pain.

Question 2

A patient who is being admitted for surgery asks the nurse why information is being collected about the patient's use of herbal and natural supplements. How should the nurse respond to this patient?
 
  1. Herbal supplements may interact with anesthetic agents.
  2. Herbal remedies may cause pain relievers to be ineffective.
  3. The physician is in charge of medications.
  4. There is no need to take these preparations.

[Kaytorgator]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3

The use of opioid analgesics during the postoperative period is rarely associated with physical or psychological dependency concerns. The pain management needs of patients will vary and should be managed individually. Screening is not routinely recommended for surgical patients. Offering to turn on the TV to distract the patient does not address the patient's need for pain control or the patient's concern over addiction from postoperative opioid analgesics.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

The use of herbal supplements must be documented prior to surgery. It is possible for these elements to interact with anesthetic agents. Herbal remedies have not been shown to render analgesics ineffective. Stating that the physician is in charge of medications and that there is no need to take these prescriptions does not adequately respond to the patient's inquiry.