Author Question: The nurse notes that after surgery, a client is unable to achieve pain relief from the analgesics ... (Read 307 times)

j.rubin · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse notes that after surgery, a client is unable to achieve pain relief from the analgesics prescribed. A review of the client's medical records reveals a history of alcohol abuse. What inferences can the nurse make?

1. The client has an unreported addiction to the pain medication being prescribed.
2. The client has a history of using this medication at home.
3. The client is likely cross-tolerant to the prescribed analgesic.
4. The client has a dual diagnosis relating to alcohol and drug addiction.

Question 2

Who is the leader of the team when team nursing is used?

a. director of nursing c. physician
b. a registered nurse d. patient

sabina576 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

3. The client is likely cross-tolerant to the prescribed analgesic.

Rationale:
Cross-tolerance results when tolerance to one substance also results in a tolerance to another drug. The client's heavy use of alcohol likely has resulted in a tolerance to alcohol and, by association, to the prescribed analgesic. There are no data to support a suspicion that the client is addicted to the medication takes the medication at home, or has a dual diagnosis.

Answer to Question 2

B
The registered nurse is the leader of the team and is responsible for supervision of the team, as well as planning and evaluating the results of caregiving activities.