Adult Health Med Surg Nursing Test Banks

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with severe abdominal pain due to end-stage pancreatic cancer, the priority intervention to manage their symptoms would be to provide adequate pain relief. Opioid analgesics are the cornerstone of pain management for cancer patients experiencing severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, thereby reducing the perception of pain. Opioids are highly effective in managing cancer pain, including abdominal pain, and can significantly improve the patient's quality of life by providing relief from distressing symptoms. Therefore, administering opioid analgesics should be the nurse's primary intervention in this case to address the patient's severe abdominal pain. Initiating enteral nutrition, recommending hot compresses, or referring to a gastroenterologist may be relevant interventions depending on the patient's overall care plan but addressing the pain should be the immediate priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In response to chronic hypoxia, the body adapts to increase oxygen delivery to tissues by increasing cardiac output. This is achieved by increasing the heart rate and stroke volume, allowing more oxygenated blood to be pumped to the tissues. The increased cardiac output helps compensate for the lower oxygen levels in the blood, ensuring that tissues receive an adequate supply of oxygen despite the hypoxic conditions. This physiological adaptation is essential for maintaining tissue oxygenation and supporting overall cellular function in the presence of chronic hypoxia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best response when a patient expresses frustration with the healthcare system's inefficiencies is to listen actively to the patient's concerns, acknowledge the challenges they are facing, and offer support. It is important for the nurse to validate the patient's feelings and demonstrate empathy, rather than dismissing or ignoring their frustrations. By offering support and showing understanding, the nurse can help the patient feel heard and valued, which is an essential aspect of providing patient-centered care. This approach can also help to strengthen the nurse-patient relationship and build trust, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the patient's overall healthcare experience.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient describes their pain as a 5 on the pain assessment scale, it indicates severe pain and the need for a strong pain medication. Morphine Sulphate is a potent opioid analgesic that is commonly used to manage severe pain, such as in cases where the pain is rated as 5. Meperidine HCl (Demerol) is another opioid analgesic, but it is not as commonly used due to its side effect profile and potential for toxicity. Fentanyl (Duragesic) is also a potent opioid analgesic that can be used for severe pain, but morphine is often preferred in this situation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a milder pain reliever and is not typically sufficient for pain described at a level of 5 on the pain scale.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, sedation, and other signs of toxicity. Administering naloxone can quickly reverse these effects, restoring the patient's breathing and consciousness. This makes it the appropriate choice for reversing all signs of toxicity related to opioids. Digibind (Digoxin) is used to reverse toxicity from digoxin specifically. Atropine sulfate is used for bradycardia. Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety, seizures, and muscle relaxation, not for reversing toxicity.