Exam 1 Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is acute pain?
Acute pain has a sudden onset, lasts less than 3 months to heal, and can be mild to severe with an identifiable event or illness.
Example: Labor, papercut, surgery.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is persistent, gradual, lasts more than 3 months, and the cause may be unknown.
What are the components of a comprehensive pain assessment?
A comprehensive pain assessment includes location, intensity, quality, onset and duration, aggravating and relieving factors, effects of pain on function and quality of life, and comfort function.
What is the importance of documentation in pain assessment?
If it wasn’t documented, it wasn’t done.
What barriers might cultural and older adults face in pain assessment?
Cultural differences may affect pain expression, and older adults may have cognitive problems that prevent them from speaking up.
What should be remembered during pain reassessment?
It is important to re-evaluate and assess patients’ pain regularly.
What are the routes of medication administration?
Routes include PO (oral), transmucosal and buccal (under tongue), intranasal (nose), rectal (butt), transdermal (skin), parenteral (IM, SQ, IV), intraspinal (spine), implantable pumps, and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).
What are some non-pharmacological therapies for pain management?
Non-pharmacological therapies include PT/OT, aqua therapy, acupuncture, low-impact exercise, TENS, and heat/cold therapy.
What cognitive therapies can help with pain management?
Cognitive therapies include distraction, imagery, mindfulness, and hypnosis.
What is patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)?
PCA allows patients to decide when they want their opioid by pushing a button to deliver a basal rate of opioid IV. It’s important to inform patients they cannot overdose.
What is hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is a sodium level less than 135 meq/L, caused by excessive sweating, diuretics, or inadequate sodium intake. Symptoms include behavioral changes, confusion, and muscle weakness.
Interventions: ACT.
What is hypernatremia?
Hypernatremia is a sodium level greater than 145 meq/L, caused by kidney failure, corticosteroids, or excessive sodium intake.
What is hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia is a calcium level less than 9.0 mg/dL, caused by inadequate oral intake of calcium or vitamin D, end-stage kidney disease, or diarrhea. Symptoms include numbness and abdominal cramping.
Interventions: TAKE ACTION.
What is hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is a calcium level greater than 10.5 mg/dL, caused by excessive intake of calcium or vitamin D, or kidney disease. Symptoms include confusion and muscle weakness.
Interventions: TAKE ACTION.
What is hypomagnesemia?
Hypomagnesemia is a magnesium level less than 1.8 meq/L, caused by malnutrition or diarrhea. Symptoms include increased heart rate and muscle cramps.
Interventions: TAKE ACTION.
What is hypermagnesemia?
Hypermagnesemia is a magnesium level greater than 2.6 meq/L, caused by IV magnesium replacement or decreased kidney excretion. Symptoms include decreased heart rate and lethargy.
Interventions: ACT.
What are the types of acid-base imbalances?
The types include metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis.
What is the responsibility of the surgeon regarding informed consent?
The surgeon is responsible for obtaining informed consent, while nurses act as witnesses.
What are the key assessments in PACU care?
Key assessments include checking airway, breathing, circulation, mental status, surgical incision site, temperature, and intravenous fluids.
What are common complications of PACU surgery?
Common complications include respiratory issues (atelectasis), cardiovascular issues (blood clots), and gastrointestinal bleeding.
What considerations should be made for older adults in postoperative care?
Considerations include increased allergies, inadequate support systems, risk for complications, and risk for dehydration.
What is naloxone used for?
Naloxone is used in emergency care for opioid overdose.
What are the criteria for PACU discharge?
PACU discharge criteria include safe discharge plan, airway and respiratory status, cardiovascular stability, neurologic function, and pain management.
