Saunders Pain Medication NCLEX Questions

The client arrives at the emergency department complaining of back spasms. The client states, "I have been taking 2 to 3 aspirin every 4 hours for the last week, and it hasn't helped my back." Since acetylsalicylic acid intoxication is suspected, the nurse should assess the client for which manifestation? 1.Tinnitus 2.Diarrhea 3.Constipation 4.Photosensitivity

1. Tinnitus

The nurse is giving medication instructions to a client who has been prescribed acetylsalicylic acid. Which client statement indicates that education was effective? 1."I may develop heartburn." 2."I should monitor for muscle aches." 3."I may experience burning on urination." 4."I should take measures to prevent constipation."

1."I may develop heartburn."

The nurse has given instructions for taking codeine sulfate to a client with a severe headache. Which statement by the client indicates the teaching has been effective? 1."I should increase fluid intake." 2."I should maintain a low-fiber diet." 3."I should avoid all exercise to prevent lightheadedness." 4."I should avoid the use of stool softeners to prevent diarrhea."

1."I should increase fluid intake."

A client with muscle aches and a diagnosis of rheumatism has been given a prescription for capsaicin topical cream. The nurse determines that the client understands the use of the medication if the client makes which statement? 1."The medication will act as a local analgesic." 2."The medication acts by decreasing muscle spasms." 3."The medication will cause redness, flaking, and the skin to peel." 4."A heating pad should be put on the area after applying the medication."

1."The medication will act as a local analgesic."

A clinic nurse is performing an assessment on a client with rheumatoid arthritis who has been taking acetylsalicylic acid for the disorder. The nurse assesses the client for signs of aspirin toxicity. Which finding should alert the nurse to the possibility of toxicity? 1.Fever and signs of hyperventilation 2.Constipation and abdominal bloating 3.Client complaint of visual disturbances 4.Abdominal discomfort and client complaint of diarrhea

1.Fever and signs of hyperventilation

The nurse is caring for a client who underwent an open reduction internal fixation to the right hip. When administering opioid analgesics for pain, the nurse should instruct the client that which are side and adverse effects of opioid analgesics? Select all that apply. 1.Sedation 2.Diarrhea 3.Constipation 4.Increased pain level 5.Respiratory depression

1.Sedation 3.Constipation 5.Respiratory depression

Acetylsalicylic acid has been prescribed for a client with rheumatoid arthritis, and the nurse provides instructions to the client about the medication. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching? 1."I should not crush or break the enteric-coated form of aspirin." 2."I need to take this medication on an empty stomach for it to work." 3."It may take 1 to 3 weeks for a therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect to occur." 4."I should call my primary health care provider if I experience stomach pain that will not go away."

2."I need to take this medication on an empty stomach for it to work."

The nurse is evaluating the serum acetylsalicylic acid results for a client receiving acetylsalicylic acid for rheumatoid arthritis. Which noted result is indicative that the client is within the range for the medication's antiarthritic effect? 1.10 mg/dL (0.72 mmol/L) 2.18 mg/dL (1.31 mmol/L) 3.26 mg/dL (1.88 mmol/L) 4.38 mg/dL (2.75 mmol/L)

3.26 mg/dL (1.88 mmol/L)

A client was just admitted to the hospital to rule out a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. The client has brought several bottles of medications prescribed by different specialists. During the admission assessment, the client states, "Lately, I have been hearing some roaring sounds in my ears, especially when I am alone." Which medication would the nurse identify as the cause of the client's complaint? 1.Doxycycline 2.Atropine sulfate 3.Acetylsalicylic acid 4.Diltiazem hydrochloride

3.Acetylsalicylic acid

The nurse is caring for a client receiving codeine sulfate for pain. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing a side or adverse effect of the medication based on which finding? 1.Distended jugular veins 2.Bounding peripheral pulses 3.No bowel movement in 3 days 4.Change in blood pressure from 120/60 mm Hg to 140/80 mm Hg

3.No bowel movement in 3 days

The nurse is caring for a client who has been taking hydrocodone for the last 3 months. For which side and adverse effects of this medication should the nurse assess the client? 1.Tachycardia and hypertension 2.Diarrhea and abdominal cramping 3.Psychological and physical dependence 4.Increased respiratory rate and bronchospasm

3.Psychological and physical dependence

A client who has been taking high doses of acetylsalicylic acid to relieve pain from osteoarthritis now has more generalized joint pain and an elevated temperature. The nurse should assess for which complication to determine whether the client has other signs of aspirin toxicity? 1.Diarrhea 2.Constipation 3.Double vision 4.Ringing in the ears

4. Ringing in the ears

Meperidine hydrochloride is prescribed for a client with pain. What should the nurse monitor for as a side or adverse effect of this medication? 1.Diarrhea 2.Bradycardia 3.Hypertension 4.Urinary retention

4.Urinary retention

The primary health care provider has prescribed a lidocaine 5% patch for a client with a diagnosis of neck pain due to osteoarthritis. Which should the nurse tell the client regarding this medication? 1.The medication patch will act as a local anesthetic. 2.The medication patch acts by decreasing muscle spasms. 3.The medication is prescribed to cause the skin to peel below the patch. 4.Apply a heating pad to the area after applying the medication patch to increase the effectiveness.

1.The medication patch will act as a local anesthetic.

The nurse is caring for a client with chronic back pain. Codeine has been prescribed for the client. Specific to this medication, which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care while the client is taking this medication? 1.Monitor radial pulse. 2.Monitor bowel activity. 3.Monitor apical heart rate. 4.Monitor peripheral pulses.

2.Monitor bowel activity.

A client with osteoarthritis is receiving diclofenac sodium. The nurse would be concerned about the administration of this medication if the client's history and physical included a diagnosis of which condition? 1.Graves' disease 2.Peptic ulcer disease 3.Coronary artery disease 4.Benign prostatic hypertrophy

2.Peptic ulcer disease

A client with pulmonary edema has a prescription to receive morphine sulfate intravenously. The nurse should determine that the client is experiencing an intended effect of the medication as indicated by which assessment finding? 1.Increased pulse rate 2.Relief of apprehension 3.Decreased urine output 4.Increased blood pressure

2.Relief of apprehension

Meperidine has been prescribed for a client to treat pain. Which side and adverse effects should the nurse monitor for? Select all that apply. 1.Diarrhea 2.Tremors 3.Drowsiness 4.Hypotension 5.Urinary frequency 6.Increased respiratory rate

2.Tremors 3.Drowsiness 4.Hypotension

A client has been prescribed codeine sulfate. The nurse has given the client instructions for its use. The nurse concludes that the client understands the instructions if the client verbalizes to self-assess for which side effect? 1.Excitability 2.Rapid pulse 3.Constipation 4.Excessive urination

3.Constipation

The nurse is preparing to give a postcraniotomy client medication for incisional pain. The family asks the nurse why the client is receiving codeine sulfate and not "something stronger." In formulating a response, the nurse incorporates which information about codeine sulfate? 1.It is one of the strongest opioid analgesics available. 2.It cannot lead to physical or psychological dependence. 3.It does not alter respirations or mask neurological signs as do other opioids. 4.It does not cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset or constipation as do other opioids.

3.It does not alter respirations or mask neurological signs as do other opioids.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), or aspirin, has been prescribed for a client with angina, and the client asks the nurse how the medication will help. The nurse responds that this medication has been prescribed for which purpose? 1.To reduce pain 2.To reduce inflammation 3.To inhibit platelet aggregation 4.To maintain a normal body temperature

3.To inhibit platelet aggregation

The nurse has administered a dose of meperidine hydrochloride to a client with renal colic as treatment for pain. The nurse carefully monitors this client for which side and adverse effect of this medication? 1.Bradycardia 2.Hypertension 3.Urinary retention 4.Increased respirations

3.Urinary retention

The home care nurse visits a client with a diagnosis of unstable angina. The client is taking acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) on a daily basis to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Which medication dose would the nurse expect the client to be taking? 1.3 g daily 2.1.3 g daily 3.650 to 700 mg daily 4.300 to 325 mg daily

4.300 to 325 mg daily

The nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy. The client has been taking acetaminophen, and acetaminophen overdose is suspected. Which antidote should the nurse prepare for administration if prescribed? 1.Pentostatin 2.Auranofin 3.Fludarabine 4.Acetylcysteine

4.Acetylcysteine

A client with trigeminal neuralgia tells the nurse that acetaminophen is taken daily for the relief of generalized discomfort. Which laboratory value would indicate toxicity associated with the medication? 1.Sodium level of 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L) 2.Platelet count of 400,000 mm3 (400 × 109/L) 3.Prothrombin time of 12 seconds (12 seconds) 4.Direct bilirubin level of 2 mg/dL (34 mcmol/L)

4.Direct bilirubin level of 2 mg/dL (34 mcmol/L)

The nurse is caring for a client receiving morphine sulfate for pain. Because this medication has been prescribed for this client, which nursing action should be included in the plan of care? 1.Encourage fluids. 2.Monitor the client's temperature. 3.Maintain the client in a supine position. 4.Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe.

4.Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe.

The nurse should question a prescription for which medication in the client concurrently receiving tramadol? 1.Beta blockers 2.Histamine H2 antagonists 3.Calcium channel blockers 4.Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

4.Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

The nurse is collecting data from a client and notes that the client is taking acetylsalicylic acid 5 g daily in divided doses. The nurse determines that this medication has been prescribed to treat which condition? 1.Backache 2.Muscle aches 3.Frequent headaches 4.Rheumatoid arthritis

4.Rheumatoid arthritis

A client is seen in the hospital emergency department after injury to the right ankle. The client tells the nurse that she twisted her ankle while playing volleyball. The primary health care provider (PHCP) has prescribed a topical analgesic cream for the injury. The nurse providing instruction about the medication should provide the client with which information? 1.To avoid hazardous activities while using the cream because it causes drowsiness 2.To apply the medication three times a day and place a heating pad on top of the area 3.That the onset of headache indicates a systemic reaction and the PHCP must be notified 4.That the medication contains a combination of medications, one of which is an analgesic

4.That the medication contains a combination of medications, one of which is an analgesic

A client with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is taking sulindac. The primary health care provider prescribes misoprostol for the client. The nurse explains that this medication has been prescribed for which purpose? 1.To enhance the effects of the sulindac 2.To prepare the client for weaning off the sulindac 3.To prevent further development of arthritic nodules 4.To prevent gastric complications such as ulcer disease

4.To prevent gastric complications such as ulcer disease

Diclofenac is prescribed for a client with osteoarthritis. Which medication, if noted on the client's record, would alert the nurse to consult with the primary health care provider? 1.Phenytoin 2.Primidone 3.Acetaminophen 4.Warfarin sodium

4.Warfarin sodium

A client was just admitted to the hospital to rule out a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. The client has brought several bottles of medications prescribed by different specialists. During the admission assessment, the client states, "Lately, I have been hearing some roaring sounds in my ears, especially when I am alone." Which medication would the nurse identify as the cause of the client's complaint? 1.Doxycycline 2.Atropine sulfate 3.Acetylsalicylic acid 4.Diltiazem hydrochloride

3.Acetylsalicylic acid

A client with cancer is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate. The nurse monitoring the client for adverse effects would become most concerned about which vital sign? 1.Temperature of 99.1º F (37.3º C) 2.Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg 3.Respirations of 10 breaths/minute 4.Apical heart rate of 90 beats/minute

3.Respirations of 10 breaths/minute

A client is admitted to the hospital, and the nurse notes that the client is taking acetylsalicylic acid to treat a chronic rheumatoid disorder. The nurse should monitor the client for which sign or symptom that indicates a toxic effect of the medication? 1.Jaundice 2.Peripheral edema 3.Ringing in the ears 4.Bilateral lung crackles

3.Ringing in the ears

A film-coated form of diflunisal, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, has been prescribed for a client to treat chronic rheumatoid arthritis. The client calls the clinic nurse because of difficulty swallowing the tablets. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client? 1.Crush the tablets and mix with food. 2.Open the tablet and mix the contents with food. 3.Swallow the tablets with large amounts of water or milk. 4.Notify the primary health care provider for a medication change.

3.Swallow the tablets with large amounts of water or milk.

A client is taking large doses of acetylsalicylic acid for rheumatoid arthritis. Which assessment findings indicate that the client is experiencing ototoxicity as a result of the medication? 1.Dizziness, sore throat, and purpura 2.Gastrointestinal upset and dizziness 3.Tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, and ataxia 4.Gastrointestinal bleeding, ecchymosis, and dizziness

3.Tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, and ataxia