a patient with chronic pain is prescribed gabapentin what is the primary purpose of this medication a patient with chronic pain is prescribed gabapentin what is the primary purpose of this medication
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI Adult Medical Surgical

1. A patient with chronic pain is prescribed gabapentin. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gabapentin is primarily prescribed to relieve neuropathic pain. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the nerves, making it effective in managing conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and other forms of chronic pain originating from nerve damage.

2. What are the complications of diabetic ketoacidosis?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and chloride, as well as dehydration due to excess urination and vomiting. These complications should be managed promptly with appropriate fluids and insulin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hypoglycemia and increased urination are not typical complications of diabetic ketoacidosis; kidney failure and respiratory distress may occur in severe cases but are not the primary complications. Liver failure and hypertension are not directly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis.

3. A nurse has just received change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client with low blood glucose needs immediate assessment to ensure that the orange juice has corrected the hypoglycemia. Monitoring the effectiveness of the intervention for low blood glucose is the priority. The other options, such as a client scheduled for a procedure in 1 hour, a client with fluid remaining in the IV bag, and a client who received pain medication 30 minutes ago, do not require immediate assessment like the client with low blood glucose.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional plan to take?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positioning the client on their left side is crucial when administering an enema as it helps facilitate the flow of the solution into the sigmoid and descending colon. This position allows gravity to assist in the process. Placing the client on the left side is a standard practice to promote optimal outcomes during the procedure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A provides a specific measurement for the insertion depth of the rectal tube, which is not typically necessary to include in the plan of action. Choice B is essential but not specific to enema administration. Choice D mentions holding the solution bag without specifying the correct height, which should typically be around 18-24 inches above the rectum for a cleansing enema.

5. A client is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests should be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the most appropriate laboratory test to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy. Heparin works on the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, and monitoring aPTT helps assess its anticoagulant effect. Therapeutic levels of aPTT for clients on heparin therapy are typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value. Prothrombin time (PT) and International normalized ratio (INR) are used to monitor warfarin therapy, which acts on the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. Complete blood count (CBC) is not specific for monitoring the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

Similar Questions

A client with a severe head injury is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client with dementia. Which of the following findings should the nurse address first?
A client is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
During a panic attack, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
Which of the following is a component of the Safe Motherhood Initiative?

Access More Features

ATI Basic

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
    • 30 days access @ $69.99

ATI Basic

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
    • 90 days access @ $149.99