A patient has been receiving intravenous ketorolac 30 mg every 6 ...

[jenna1]

A patient has been receiving intravenous ketorolac 30 mg every 6 hours for postoperative pain for 4 days. The patient will begin taking oral ketorolac 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours to prepare for discharge in 1 or 2 days.
 
  The patient asks the nurse whether this drug will be prescribed for management of pain after discharge. The nurse will respond by telling the patient that the provider will prescribe a(n):
  a. different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for home management of pain.
  b. fixed-dose opioid analgesic/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
  c. lower dose of the oral ketorolac for long-term pain management.
  d. intranasal preparation of ketorolac for pain management at home.

Question 2

A nurse is providing medication teaching for a patient who will begin taking diclofenac (Voltaren) gel for osteoarthritis in both knees and elbows. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. Because this is a topical drug, liver toxicity will not occur.
  b. I should cover areas where the gel is applied to protect them from sunlight.
  c. I will apply equal amounts of gel to all affected areas.
  d. The topical formulation has the same toxicity as the oral formulation.

[TDubDCFL]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Ketorolac is not indicated for chronic or minor pain and should not be used longer than 5 days. Patients discharged home will be instructed to use other NSAIDs for pain. A fixed-dose opioid/NSAID is not indicated. Low-dose ketorolac would not be used, because 5 days would have passed. The intranasal therapy would not be indicated after 5 days.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Diclofenac is available in topical and oral preparations. Patients should be warned to protect treated areas from sunlight. Side effects occur, such as liver toxicity, even with topical dosing. Patients should apply smaller amounts to the upper extremities. Systemic toxicity is lower with topical formulations.

[jenna1]

Thank you!

[TDubDCFL]

Always glad to help...