Question 1
A patient being mechanically ventilated receives midazolam (Versed) for sedation. What findings indicate to the nurse that the patient is receiving an appropriate dose of this medication?
◦ Asleep but withdrawing from noxious stimuli with a heart rate of 80
◦ Awake with a respiratory rate of 38 and a heart rate of 132
◦ Awake with a heart rate of 124 and attempting to pull out the IV
◦ Asleep but awakening to light touch with a heart rate of 72
Question 2
The nurse cares for a patient recovering from surgery who is being mechanically ventilated and experiencing pain. Which approach should the nurse use first to assess this patient's pain?
◦ Ask the patient if he or she is in pain
◦ Observe the patient's face for grimacing
◦ Ask a family member if the patient is in pain
◦ Attempt an analgesic trial