Author Question: The nurse does which of the following when performing oral care on the unconscious client to reduce ... (Read 61 times)

FButt · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse does which of the following when performing oral care on the unconscious client to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia?

1. Use commercial mouthwash.
2. Apply mineral oil to the mucous membranes of the mouth.
3. Perform oral hygiene with normal saline.
4. Perform oral hygiene with hydrogen peroxide.

Question 2

The client asks the nurse what kind of over-the-counter medication she should have on hand for pain relief after she has a minor outpatient procedure.

The nurse tells the client that the doctor will likely prescribe an opioid analgesic for the first week, but the client says she does not want to take anything addictive. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse? 1. Over-the-counter medications will not be strong enough to manage your pain.
2. The pain from this surgery is excruciating, and you will need a strong medication.
3. What concerns do you have about taking opioid medications?
4. You need to trust that the doctor knows what's best for you.

ebe · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

3
Rationale: Normal saline is isotonic, and would be less likely to cause pneumonia if a small amount were aspirated. Turning the client onto his side is also important to reduce the risk of aspiration.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: The nurse would want to explore the client's reasons for not wanting to take an opioid medication and explain that taking an opioid medication for acute pain will not result in addiction. Telling the client an over-the-counter medication will be insufficient does not consider the client's pain tolerance or pain threshold. Telling the client that the pain is excruciating will increase the client's anxiety. Asking the client to trust the doctor removes the client from the decision making, and is never appropriate.