Author Question: A nurse is teaching a patient who has a second-degree burn on one arm about the use of a topical ... (Read 29 times)

joesmith1212 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is teaching a patient who has a second-degree burn on one arm about the use of a topical anesthetic for pain. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

a. I will apply a thin layer of the medication to a small area of skin.
b. I will cover the burn with a dressing after applying the medication.
c. I will make sure to apply the medication to the entire burn area.
d. I will use the medication only on the most painful, blistered areas.

Question 2

A patient with cerebral palsy has severe muscle spasticity and muscle weakness. The patient is unable to take anything by mouth. The nurse is correct to anticipate that which medication will be ordered for home therapy?

a. Baclofen (Lioresal)
b. Dantrolene (Dantrium)
c. Diazepam (Valium)
d. Metaxalone (Skelaxin)

kaylee05 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Topical anesthetics can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause serious and even life-threatening systemic toxicity, so they should be applied in the smallest amount needed to as small an area as possible. Covering the site increases the skin's temperature, which increases absorption, so this should be avoided. Applying the medication to a large area increases systemic absorption. Applying the medication to broken skin increases systemic absorption.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Baclofen is used to treat muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. It does not reduce muscle strength, so it will not exacerbate this patient's muscle weakness. It can be given intrathecally, via an implantable pump, and therefore is a good choice for patients who cannot take medications by mouth. Dantrolene must be given by mouth or intravenously and so would not be a good option for this patient. It also causes muscle weakness. Diazepam is not the first-line drug of choice. Alternative routes to PO administration are IM, IV, or by rectum. Metaxalone is used to treat localized muscle spasms caused by injury and is not used for cerebral palsy.