The nurse is assessing the risk for aspiration of gastric ...

[maegan_martin]

The nurse is assessing the risk for aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs resulting in airway obstruction. The nurse identifies patients with which conditions as having increased risk? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Presence of a gastrostomy feeding tube
  b. History of smoking 2 packs per day for 30 years
  c. Head injury with a decreased level of consciousness
  d. Stroke with dysphagia

Question 2

The patient is admitted with chronic pain. She states that nothing takes the pain away totally, but that Dilaudid works best. The fact that the patient calls the medication by name should alert the nurse to:
 
  a. suspect that the patient is drug seeking.
  b. expect that the patient may need smaller doses than normal.
  c. assess the patient's acceptable level of comfort.
  d. accept the fact that nothing will help this patient's pain.

[mfedorka]

Answer to Question 1

A, C, D
Conditions that increase the patient's risk for aspiration include enteral feeding tubes or other nasal or oral gastric tubes, a decreased level of consciousness, and a decreased swallowing ability.

Answer to Question 2

C
It is important to assess the patient's acceptable level of comfort so that both you and the patient are striving for the same outcome. Some patients with prior pain conditions can alert the nurse to pain-relieving measures that were successful. Patients with chronic/persistent pain are often familiar with the names and actions of medications, including opioid medications. This should not cause you to view the patient negatively or with suspicion. Patients currently receiving opioids for chronic pain often require higher doses of analgesics to alleviate new pain. Do not accept that there is nothing that will help this patient's pain. Learn the institutional policy for how to proceed in this situation.

[maegan_martin]

Thank you!

[mfedorka]

Always glad to help...