Adults Final Flashcards
When is a pain assessment performed?
On admission or initial assessment
Each new report of pain
Before and after pain med admin
When indicated by changes in condition or treatment
Who is the most reliable source of information for pain?
The patient
How do you perform a pain assessment?
Begin by asking “do you have any pain?”
Rate pain on scale of 1-10
COLDERA or OLDCART
You suspect a patient is lying about their pain, what do you do?
You still have to take pts report as serious and truthful - do not have the right to withhold medications
What are the pain assessment tools used for specific populations (nonverbal, young children, advance dementia, critical care)?
Nonverbal = The Hierarchy of Pain Measures
Young children = FLACC
Dementia = PAINAD
CC = CPOT
How do you treat pain in the elderly? What should you monitor?
Start low and go slow
Use acetaminophen b/c of high risk for NSAID toxicity
Reduce opioid dose 25-50%
Assess: sedation/CNS, toxicity, signs of a/e, kidney function
How does unrelieved pain affect each body system?
Endocrine- high ACTH, cortisol, ADH, low insulin
Metabolic- insulin resistance»_space;> hyperglycemia
CV- high HR/BP, risk for HTN and DVT
Respiratory- atelectasis, hypoxemia, infx
GU- low UO, fluid overload, hypokalemia
GI- low gastric motility
Muscle- spasms, immobility
Cognition- confusion
Immune- low immune response
QOL- sleepness, anxiety, fear, thoughts of suicide
What is the difference b/w acute, chronic, and breathrough pain?
Acute- short duration and usually resolves
Chronic- longer than acute, limited or lasts lifetime; can be cancerous or noncancerous
Breathrough- chronic pain with acute exacerbations
Describe the differences between nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain (give examples). Which is most responsive to pharmacologic management?
Nociceptive- tissue injury (ex. somatic or visceral); most responsive to meds
Neuropathic- damage to the PNS/CNS (ex. phantom pain, neuropathy)
What is the difference between dependence, tolerance, and addiction?
Dependence- manifestation of withdrawal upon stopping (takes 2 or more wks w/ opioids)
Tolerance- increased dosing needed to maintain effects
Addiction- chronic, relapsing, treatable; compulsive use and craving; psychological dependence
Name and describe the 3 basic pharmacological interventions for pain.
- Opioids- act on CNS to block pain receptors
- NSAIDS- decrease pain by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase
- Local anesthetic- block nerve conduction
Name the 2 types of non-opioid analgesics
- Acetaminophen
2. NSAIDS
What do you need to consider about acetaminophen?
Never exceed >4g/day
Monitor liver functions
What do you need to consider about NSAIDs?
Monitor kidney function
Potential for GI bleed
What is the biggest adverse effect of opioids?
Respiratory depression
What should you know about applying opioid patches?
Always rotate the sites
Never use heat or massage the medication into the skin
List how these medications are administered and the onset, peak, and duration for:
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
Acetaminophen - oral - 30-45m, 0.5-1h, 4-6h
Ibuprofen - oral - (analgesic) 30-60m, n/a, 4-6h; (anti-inflam) <7d, 1-2wk, n/a
Codeine - oral - 15-30m, 0.5-1h, 4-6h
Fentanyl - patch - n/a, 20-72h, 72h
Morphine - oral - 15-60m, 1h, 3-6h
Oxycodone - oral - 15m, 1-2h, 3-4h
What is the antidote for most opioids?
Naloxone
Name all pain medications
NSAID (ibuprofen) Acetaminophen Codeine Fentanyl Morphine Oxycodone Vicodin Dilaudid Toridol
What is the biggest s/e of Toradol?
Steven-Johnsons Syndrome
How are epidurals usually administered?
Through a PCA pump
What are the benefits of using a PCA pump?
Patient can bolus themselves
Set basal rate so they cant overdose
Allows for better control of pain
Can be used at home
Who can press the pump clicker on a PCA?
Only the patient
What are nursing considerations for opioids?
Potential for withdrawal
Need tapering schedule if on opioids for more than a couple days
Need to monitor for respiratory depression - low dose as soon as there are s/s of sedation
What is the best approach to prevent pain?
Around the clock pain management (ATC)
Who is responsible for pain management of a patient?
Everyone- multiple disciplinary approach
What are non-pharm interventions for pain relief?
Massage Positioning Hot/col PT/acupuncture Breathing/meditation Prayer
Is asthma reversible or irreversible?
Largely reversible
What is the strongest predisposing factor for asthma?
Allergy
What are the manifestations of asthma?
Cough Wheezing Dyspnea, chest tightness Diaphoresis Tachy Hypoxemia, central cyanosis
What is the term for an asthma attack?
Status Asthaticus
How do you treat an asthma exacerbation?
Rescue med- SABAs first Give corticosteroid if unresponsive O2 Monitor pulse ox, lung sounds, and effectiveness of meds Measure lung fxn with peak flow
What are the quick relief asthma meds? What are the long relief?
Quick- beta adrenergic agonists SABA (albuterol), anticholinergics (Atrovent)
Long- Corticosteroids (Fluticasone), LABAS (salmeterol), leukotrienes (singulair)
What do you need to educate an asthma patient about?
Identify and avoid triggers Inhalation method Peak flow Asthma action plan When to call for help
What are the 2 causes of COPD?
Emphysema and bronchitis
What is the #1 risk factor for COPD?
Smoking
Is COPD reversible?
No but it is treatable and preventable
What are the differences between emphysema and bronchitis (how are they diagnoses and s/s)?
Bronchitis “blue bloater”- daily, productive cough for >3 mo in 2 consecutive years
- overweight, cyanotic, high hgb, peripheral edema, rhonchi, wheezing
Emphysema “pink puffer” - permanent enlargement and destruction of air spaces; cxr find flat diaphragm
- older, thin, severe dyspnea, hyperinflation, quiet chest
What are the 3 primary symptoms of COPD?
Dyspnea»_space; weight loss
Chronic cough
Sputum
What can hyperinflation and the use of accessory muscles result in?
Barrel chest
How might you encourage a pt with COPD to breath to maximize air flow?
Through pursed lips
How do you assess COPD?
HH Pulmonary fxn test ABGs CXR Spirometry
What are some complications of COPD?
Pneumonia R-HF (cor pulmonale) Chronic atelectasis Respiratory failure Pneumothorax Clubbing Weight loss/thinning
How do you prevent atelectasis?
Incentive spirometry Cough/deep breath Oral care 2x/day Understand teachings Get out of bed 3x/day HOB elevated
How can you prevent COPD exacerbations?
Pneumonia/flu vaccines
Stop smoking
O2
Minimize risk factors
How come you have to be careful giving O2 therapy to a pt with COPD?
You want to prevent hyperoxygenating them; CO2 can get trapped in the alveoli
How to you manage a COPD exacerbation?
Elevate HOB 90 degrees Suction Bronchodilators Incentive spirometry Manage anxiety
What medications can be given to someone with COPD?
Bronchodilators, MDIs Corticosteroids Antibiotics Mucolytics Antitussives
What are the major signs of atelectasis?
Labored breathing
Hypoxemia
Decreased breath sounds
List and describe the 4 classificaticatirns of pneumonia.
- Community acquired (CAP)- dx w/in 48 hrs of hospital admission, picked up prior to admission
- Healthcare associated (HCAP)- dx of non-hospitalized pt that had extensive healthcare contact
- Hospital acquired (HAP)- dx after 48 hrs of hospital admission
- Ventilator acquired (VAP)- dx more than 48 hrs after intubation on ventilator
What are the risk factors for pneumonia?
HF Diabetes Alcoholism COPD HIV/AIDS Flu
What are manifestations of pneumonia?
Orthopnea Crackles Purulent sputum Fever Fremitus
What medication(s) are used to treat pneumonia?
Antibiotics (if bacterial)
How is pneumonia dx?
Sputum culture done by nurse
What supportive treatment can be provided to a pt with pneumonia?
Fluids O2 Antipyretics Antitussives Decongestants Antihistamine Elevate HOB Humidification Positional changes Chest PT Incentive spirometry Rest Coughing techniques Nutrition the pt will eat Provide hygiene
How can pneumonia be prevented? (who is this most relevant for?
Vaccination - those >65 or >19 and immunocompromised
How do you prevent aspiration?
Hob >30 degrees Assess sedation and respiration Thickened fluids Speech/swallow consult Ensure placement of NG tube
How do you use an MDI?
Remove cap Shake Sit upright and breath out completely Activate the MDI and breath in slowly Hold for 10 sec Allow 1 min between puffs Finish by rinsing mouth with water
How is TB transmitted and what kind of precautions are these pts on?
Airborne transmission/precaution
What is TB?
Infection of lung parenchyma
What are risk factors for TB?
Close contact with TB Substance use Immunocompromised Healthcare workers Travel
How do you treat TB and what should you monitor during tx?
Isonazid (INH) and Rifampin (orange urine/tears)- monitor liver fxn tests
Who do you report TB to?
The health department
How do you assess/diagnose TB?
Mantoux method»_space;> CXR
Sputum testing
Drug susceptibility
What is the biggest concern with TB?
Preventing transmission
What is a pulmonary embolism and what causes it?
obstruction of pulmonary artery by clot that originated somewhere else in the venous system or right side of the heart
What causes silent aspiration?
Nonfunctioning NG tube»_space;> GI contents accumulate in stomach
What are the nursing interventions for TB?
Isolation and droplet precautions Fluids (loosen secretions) Positioning Eduction on meds and transmission Nutrition and sleep
What kind of imbalance does a PE result in? Why is this bad?
Ventilation-perfusion problem»_space;> right ventricular HF, shock
How can you prevent a PE?
Early ambulation after surgery
Anticoags
Avoid venous stasis
What are risk factors for PE?
Pregnancy Immobility Hypercoaguable state HF Surgery Trauma
What are the most common s/s of PE?
Chest pain #1
Dyspnea
How do you confirm a PE?
VQ scan* d-dimer CXR EKG ABGs
How do you avoid venous stasis?
Activity/exercise
Compression boots/stockings
How do you treat a PE?
Anticoag and thrombolytic therapy
Potential surgery to remove clot
What is the priority nursing action for someone who is SOB and anxious?
Pulse ox
Why is it important to assess sleep quality in a pt with COPD? How can sleep affect COPD?
Those who sleep worse at night have higher rates of exacerbations and lower QOL
A patient on portable O2 therapy says they want to start smoking again, what do you tell them?
Smoking next to O2 is extremely dangerous because O2 is highly flammable
What is the goal of O2 therapy in pts with COPD?
Achieve acceptable O2 levels without a fall in pH
What is a sign of impending respiratory failure in someone experiencing an asthma attck?
PaCO2
What are the differences between peak flow and spirometry?
Peak flow measures highest airflow during forced expiration to measure asthma severity/control
Spirometry is a method of deep breathing to encourage maximal inhalation and exhalation
How is HTN defined and measured?
BP >140/90
Average of at least 2 BP readings 1-4wks apart
What is normal BP? Elevated BP? Stage 1 HTN? Stage 2 HTN? Hypertensive crisis?
Normal = 120/80 Elevated = 120-129/<80 Stage 1 = 130-139/80-89 Stage 2 = >140/>90 Crisis = >180 and/or >120
What is the earliest sign of hypoxia?
Restlessness
What are risk factors for HTN?
Modifiable- smoking, obesity, inactivity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, GFR <60
Nonmodifiable- age, FH
What is the goal BP for those with HTN?
<140/90 (older adults <150/90)
What lifestyle modifications can be made to reduce HTN?
Weight loss
Activity/exercise
DASH diet
Reduce alcohol consumption
What medications can be used to treat HTN?
Beta blockers ACEs CCBs ARBs Diuretics
How do beta blockers work and what are some considerations?
Decrease HR by reducing excitability of the heart and release renin to lower BP
Hold if HR<60
Assess before/after admin
Take with food
Taper off
How do CCBs work and what are some considerations?
Vasodilate to lower BP
Avoid GF
How do ACEs work and what are some considerations?
Prevent vasoconstriction
S/E: dry hacking cough, hyperkalemia, orthostatic hypotension
Use ARB is coughing
Monitor renal
Take on an empty stomach
Avoid NSAIDs
How do thiazide diuretics work and what are some considerations?
Decrease blood volume
S/E: hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, polyuria
Monitor e- , renal fxn Encourage fluid intake Daily weights and strict I&O Take early in day Encourage low sodium diet
How do Lasix work and what are some considerations?
Decrease blood volume
S/E: hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, ototoxicity
Take with food
Take early in day
Monitor e-, kidney fxn
Daily weights and strict I&Os
What is atherosclerosis and what can it lead to?
accumulation of lipid deposits and fibrous tissue within arterial walls and lumens reduce blood flow»_space;> CAD
What is CAD?
Narrowing/blocking of coronary vessels from atherosclerosis
What are the manifestations of atherosclerosis? What is something to consider about women?
Angina pectoris*
Epigastric distress
Pain radiating to jaw/left arm
SOB
Women experience atypical symptoms
What are non-modifiable and modifiable RF for atherosclerosis?
Nonmod- FH, age (M>45, W>55), gender, race
Mod- high cholesterol, smoking, HTN, type 2 DM
How can you prevent CAD?
cholesterol control/diet
exercise
smoking cessation
medications»_space;> manage HTN/diabetes
What is the most common medication used to treat high cholesterol? How do they work? What are major s/e and considerations?
Statins
- low total cholesterol, LDL. triglycerides
- raise HDL
- inhibit lipid synthesis
S/E: rhabdo and myopathy
- monitor liver
- statins arent stat
- no GF
- admin in evening
What is angina?
Chest pain caused by insufficient blood flow to heart
Stable vs. unstable angina (when does it occur, treatment)
Stable- provoked by exercise, emotion, or heavy meal»_space;> rest and nitro (can pretreat)
Unstable- new onset occurs at rest»_space;> MONA
How do you administer nitro?
1x/5min for 15 min»_space;> call 911 if not relieved
What does MONA stand for?
Morphine
Oxygen
Nitroglycerine
Aspirin
How does someone know that nitroglycerine is working?
Burns
How do you assess angina?
Take VS, EKG, pain assessment
What do you do if someone is having angina that did not respond to nitro?
MONA
NPO
Best rest (bed pan only)
May be a heart attack
What are geriatric considerations for CAD?
Silent CAD is most common
Presenting symptom is dyspnea*
Diminished pain receptors
Use meds cautiously
What medications are used to treat MI?
Nitro- vasodilate to reduce O2 consumption Beta blockers- slow HR CCBs- slow HR Antiplatelets- prevents platelet coag Anticoags- prevents thrombi coag
What is an MI?
Complete occlusion of artery leads to ischemia and necrosis of the myocardium
How do you assess for an MI?
Assess chest pain- continues at rest despite chest pain
EKG- Elevation in ST
Labs- myoglobin, creatinine kinase, troponin
What cardiac enzyme is specific to the heart?
Troponin - increases progressively in each of the three tests
What are nursing interventions for someone having an MI?
O2 and med therapy Frequent VS Bed rest, HOB elevated I&Os Perfusion Position changes Report changes in condition
What major s/e should you monitor for if youre pt receives thrombolytic therapy?
Bleeding
How can you take nitro?
Sublingual or buccal
What is the “bad” cholesterol?
LDL
HF is categorized by s/s of these 2 things.
Fluid overload* or inadequate tissue perfusion
Is HF reversible?
Yes, if caught early enough
Systolic failure indicates what kind of problem in the heart? What about diastolic failure?
Systolic failure = heart contracting problem
Diastolic = heart filling problem
Right sided heart failure is also known as what?
Cor pulmonale