A nurse administers an opioid analgesic to a postoperative client who also has severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement before leaving the client alone?
Apply the client’s positive airway pressure device.
Lift and lock the side rails in place.
Remove dentures or other oral appliances.
Elevate the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help improve airway patency and reduce the risk of airway obstruction in clients with OSA. However, applying the positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) takes precedence due to its direct impact on maintaining airway patency and preventing respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Lifting and locking the side rails in place ensures the safety of the client but does not directly address the client’s OSA or the potential respiratory depression associated with opioid analgesic administration.
Choice C rationale
Applying the client’s positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention in this scenario. Clients with severe obstructive sleep apnea rely on positive airway pressure devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), to maintain airway patency and prevent episodes of apnea during sleep. Applying the device before leaving the client alone ensures continuous support for effective breathing.
Choice D rationale
Removing dentures or other oral appliances may be necessary for client comfort and safety, but it is not directly related to managing OSA or preventing respiratory compromise associated with opioid analgesic administration.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Positive external places are often used in guided imagery to help clients focus on pleasant and calming environments. This technique can help distract from pain and promote relaxation by engaging the mind in a soothing and peaceful visualization.
Choice B rationale
Tranquil sounds can also be beneficial in relaxation techniques, but they are not the primary focus in guided imagery for chronic pain. Guided imagery typically involves visualizing a serene place rather than focusing solely on sounds.
Choice C rationale
Emotional reflection may not be as effective in reducing chronic pain through guided imagery. This technique is more about visualizing positive and calming environments rather than reflecting on emotions.
Choice D rationale
Motivational phrases are useful in other therapeutic techniques but are not the primary focus in guided imagery for chronic pain. Guided imagery focuses more on visualizing serene and peaceful places.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Advising the UAP to wear a standard face mask to obtain vital signs and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care is not appropriate. The UAP should be properly equipped with the correct protective gear before any contact with the client.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient to provide care for the assigned client is incorrect. Bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, and a standard face mask is sufficient for this type of precaution, not a particulate filter mask.
Choice C rationale
Sending the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask immediately so the UAP can provide care to this client is unnecessary because bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, which only necessitate a standard surgical mask, not a particulate filter mask like an N953.
Choice D rationale
Before changing assignments, determining which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks is prudent but not necessary for caring for a client with bacterial meningitis under droplet precautions. The focus should be on ensuring the UAP understands that a standard mask is sufficient.