Question 1

The nurse has provided education for a client prescribed opioid treatment. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the education?

Accepted Answer

Increasing fluid intake helps prevent constipation associated with opioid treatment. While stool softeners or laxatives may be necessary in some cases, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Increasing physical activity may be difficult for some clients who are experiencing pain, and may not necessarily prevent constipation.

Question 2

A parent asks the nurse why his or her 8-year-old child cannot have cough syrup with codeine to help the child rest. Prior to responding to the parent, which should the nurse understand?

Accepted Answer

Codeine is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age due to the risk of severe respiratory depression or death. It is important to inform the parent of this potential risk and advise alternative options for treating the child's cough.

Question 3

The nurse is preparing to review the records of a client with cancer prescribed buccal fentanyl. Which findings should the nurse anticipate? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Buccal fentanyl is typically prescribed for clients who are already on a regular opioid regimen (such as fentanyl) and are experiencing breakthrough pain.

Question 4

Which information should the nurse include in the teaching for a client with a prescription for migraines? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The nurse should teach the client to use the medication at the first sign of a migraine and that overusing the medication may result in rebound headaches. The nurse should also instruct the client to instill the spray into one nostril only to ensure proper absorption. The nurse should not advise the client to increase dietary intake of tyramine-containing foods, as these foods can trigger migraines. Additionally, pain relief with this medication typically begins within 15-30 minutes, not up to an hour, so E is an incorrect option.

Question 5

Which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed as adjuvant analgesics? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are...

Question 6

For which client should the nurse recognize a prescription for sumatriptan (Imitrex) may be beneficial?

Accepted Answer

Sumatriptan is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of migraines. It should be avoided in clients with a history of angina because it can cause vasoconstriction and potentially worsen angina symptoms. It is also not recommended for use in pregnant women or those with preeclampsia. Sumatriptan can be used cautiously in diabetic clients who do not have cardiovascular disease, but the client's blood sugar levels should be closely monitored. Asthma is not a contraindication for sumatriptan use.

Question 7

Which prescription should the nurse anticipate to be included in the treatment of a client experiencing mild migraine headaches?

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is often used to treat mild migraine headaches. It works by reducing inflammation and pain. Sumatriptan and ergotamine are both prescription medications used to treat more severe or frequent migraine headaches, and amitriptyline is an antidepressant that may be used as a preventative treatment for migraines, but would not typically be used to treat mild episodes.

Question 8

A client with terminal cancer has a respiratory rate of 10 and requests a dose of prescribed morphine. Which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

The respiratory rate of 10 may indicate impending death and is not a contraindication for administering morphine in a palliative care setting. Morphine can be used to manage pain and dyspnea in end-of-life care, and the nurse should administer the prescribed dose as ordered. Nonpharmacological interventions can also be implemented to promote comfort, but they should not delay the administration of prescribed medications for symptom management. Administering an NSAID is not indicated in this scenario, as it would not effectively manage the client's symptoms.

Question 9

The nurse has administered sumatriptan (Imitrex) to a client. Which effects should the nurse monitor the patient for?

Accepted Answer

Sumatriptan can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or a decreased level of consciousness due to its action on serotonin receptors.

Question 10

Which statement is accurate when prescribing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) for the treatment of pain?

Accepted Answer

Enteric-coated capsules of aspirin are designed to reduce gastrointestinal side effects by preventing the release of the aspirin until it has passed through the stomach to the intestines. This formulation helps to minimize irritation and potential damage to the stomach lining, which can be a side effect of aspirin use.

Quiz 18: Drugs for the Control of Pain