What information is most accurate regarding the nurse's ...

[james]

What information is most accurate regarding the nurse's understanding of pain management?
 
  a. Older patients have difficulty describing their pain level.
  b. Encourage patients to report pain before the pain becomes too severe.
  c. Use the smallest dose of medication possible to control pain.
  d. Pain medication administration ordered PRN will maintain a constant blood level.

Question 2

In which case would the nurse be correct in withholding an opiate agonist?
 
  a. Evidence of postural hypotension
  b. Presence of constipation
  c. Pain rating of 7 on a 0 to 10 scale
  d. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min

[vseab]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Even though pain medicine administration may be scheduled, encourage the patient to request pain medication before the pain escalates and becomes severe. Although the smallest dose possible to control the pain is the goal of therapy, it is also important that the dose be sufficient to provide adequate relief. Older patients are able to describe pain; a variety of tools are available for a variety of patient populations. Analgesics given on a scheduled basis every 3 to 4 hours will maintain a more constant plasma level.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The nurse would withhold the medication if respirations are less than 12 breaths/min. Postural hypotension is a common adverse effect that most frequently occurs when therapy is initiated. Providing for patient safety is important, but it does not warrant withholding the medication. Constipation is an expected adverse effect and does not warrant withholding an opiate agonist. A pain rating of 7 would not warrant holding an opiate agonist.

[james]

Excellent

[bdobbins]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it