Saunders NCLEX Pain Medication Pharmacology

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."

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

A client with suspected opioid overdose has received a dose of naloxone hydrochloride. The client subsequently becomes restless, starts to vomit, and complains of abdominal cramping. The blood pressure increases from 110/72 mm Hg to 160/86 mm Hg. The nurse provides emotional support and reassurance while administering care to the client, knowing which piece of information? 1. The client may next become suicidal. 2. These are signs of opioid withdrawal. 3. These effects will last only a few moments. 4. The client may otherwise sign out against medical advice.

2. These are signs of opioid withdrawal.

A home health nurse visits a client who suffered a back injury. On reviewing the health care provider's prescriptions, the nurse notes that codeine sulfate has been prescribed for the client, and the nurse provides instructions to the client regarding the medication. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates an understanding of health measures related to the medication? 1. "The medication is not addicting." 2. "I should watch out for diarrhea as a side effect." 3. "I should increase my fluid intake while taking this medication." 4. "I need to be sure to eat foods that are low in fiber to prevent diarrhea."

3. "I should increase my fluid intake while taking this medication."

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.

A client reports frequent use of acetaminophen for relief of headaches and other discomforts. The nurse should evaluate which diagnostic data to determine if the client is at risk for toxicity? 1. Chest x-ray 2. Electrocardiogram 3. Liver function studies 4. Upper gastrointestinal x-ray results

3. Liver function studies

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

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.

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 99.1°F (37.3°C) 2. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg 3. Apical heart rate of 90 beats/minute 4. Respirations of 10 breaths/minute

4. Respirations of 10 breaths/minute

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