A patient experiencing chronic pain as a result of metastatic ...

[Jipu 123]

A patient experiencing chronic pain as a result of metastatic cancer has a new order for fentanyl (Duragesic) transdermal patch. The initial patch is applied at 8 AM on Monday.
 
  At 8 PM on Monday, the patient reports a pain level of 8. The nurse's best response is to
  a. immediately contact the physician.
  b. reassess pain level in 30 to 45 minutes.
  c. remove current patch and reapply a new patch.
  d. provide a PRN analgesic medication as ordered.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a patient's pain. When the patient describes his pain as cramping and burning, which component of the pain history is being addressed?
 
  a. Depth
  b. Location
  c. Quality
  d. Severity

[ansleighelindsey]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The fentanyl (Duragesic) patch takes approximately 12 to 24 hours for the initial patch of medication to reach a steady blood level, so other analgesics must be used during this time. Therefore, it is not necessary to immediately contact the physician. The patient is reporting severe pain and requires immediate intervention to help relieve this discomfort.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The actual sensation of the pain is often described as stabbing, dull, cramping, sore, burning, or a combination of these. Depth of pain, location of pain, and severity of pain are not described as cramping and burning.

[Jipu 123]

Thanks

[ansleighelindsey]

Welcome