Level: Clinical
Difficulty: Medium
Subtopic: Opioids and pain medications
NCLEX: A 72-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for opioid analgesia after surgery. Assessme…
Pharmacology Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Case Study
A 72-year-old client in a long-term care facility is being evaluated for opioid analgesia after surgery. Assessment data include the client has respiratory rate 10/min and is difficult to arouse after opioid administration. Which nurse response best supports psychosocial integrity?
Question
A. Therapeutic presence, active listening, validation, and suicide or violence screening when indicated.
B. False reassurance that nothing is wrong.
C. Changing the subject when the client expresses fear.
D. Promising outcomes that cannot be guaranteed.
B. False reassurance that nothing is wrong.
C. Changing the subject when the client expresses fear.
D. Promising outcomes that cannot be guaranteed.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Therapeutic presence, active listening, validation, and suicide or violence screening when indicated.
Rationale: Psychosocial integrity items reward therapeutic communication and appropriate safety screening, not avoidance or false promises.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Psychosocial integrity items reward therapeutic communication and appropriate safety screening, not avoidance or false promises.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.