Author Question: The prescriber asks a nurse to prepare the patient for an intraspinal injection of an opioid ... (Read 77 times)

newbem · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The prescriber asks a nurse to prepare the patient for an intraspinal injection of an opioid medication. The nurse understands that this route of administration is most beneficial for

a. a patient with intractable pain that cannot be controlled by less invasive routes.
b. patients at risk for thrombocytopenia who cannot tolerate intramuscular injections.
c. a patient experiencing pain caused by advancing gastric cancer.
d. a patient suffering from excruciating bone pain.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for an anxious patient who has cancer. The patient has been experiencing nausea, and his pain is controlled most of the time by opiate analgesics.

What prn medication can the nurse administer to help alleviate the nausea and also facilitate pain control?
a. Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
b. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
c. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
d. Dexamethasone (Decadron)

dudman123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Intraspinal administration is reserved for patients with intractable pain that cannot be controlled by less invasive routes.
A patient at risk for thrombocytopenia can receive opiate therapy via the intravenous route.
Intraspinal administration of opiates is not indicated for patients with gastric cancer.
Intraspinal administration of opiates would be contraindicated in a patient with excruciating bone pain.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Hydroxyzine can reduce pain, anxiety, and nausea and also has sedative actions.
Dextroamphetamine can enhance opioid-induced analgesia but does not help nausea.
Carbamazepine is indicated for relief of neuropathic pain but does not relieve nausea.
Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, reduces edema, which indirectly may reduce pain but does not provide relief of nausea.