Author Question: A nurse is discussing the side effects of opioid medications with a group of cancer patients. Which ... (Read 78 times)

fasfsadfdsfa · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is discussing the side effects of opioid medications with a group of cancer patients. Which signs and symptoms are side effects of chronic opiate use that should be discussed? (Select all that apply).

a. Sedation
b. Orthostatic hypotension
c. Hypertension
d. Nausea
e. Diarrhea

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient undergoing chemotherapy. A patient asks for ibuprofen (Motrin) and states, I didn't bring mine with me. I usually take them about four times a day.

The nurse should notify the prescriber and anticipate an order for a(n)
a. serum creatinine level.
b. platelet count.
c. salicylate level.
d. absolute neutrophil count.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, D
Side effects of opioids include sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and nausea.
Hypertension and diarrhea are not side effects of opioids; hypotension and constipation are the appropriate side effects.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
For patients undergoing chemotherapy, inhibition of platelet aggregation by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is a serious concern, because many anticancer drugs suppress bone marrow function and reduce platelet production. Thrombocytopenia may result, putting the patient at risk for bleeding.
A serum creatinine level is not indicated, because ibuprofen is not a nephrotoxic drug.
A salicylate level would be indicated if the patient were taking aspirin, not ibuprofen.
An absolute neutrophil count is not indicated in a patient taking ibuprofen.