ABPANC ABPANC Pain Management 3

Question 1

A patient is receiving IV morphine in the PACU. Which assessment finding would indicate the development of opioid-induced respiratory depression?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate of 8 and pinpoint pupils

Answer

A respiratory rate of 8 with pinpoint pupils (miosis) are classic signs of opioid-induced respiratory depression requiring immediate intervention.

Question 2

Which route of administration provides the most rapid onset of analgesia in the immediate post-operative period?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Intravenous administration bypasses absorption barriers and delivers analgesic directly into the bloodstream, providing the fastest onset of action.

Question 3

A patient reports itching after receiving IV morphine. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Histamine release from opioid administration

Answer

Opioids, especially morphine, trigger mast cell histamine release causing pruritis, which is a common side effect rather than a true allergy.

Question 4

Which nursing intervention best reduces the risk of opioid-related respiratory depression in the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Titrating opioids to the lowest effective dose with continuous monitoring

Answer

Titrating opioids to the lowest effective dose while continuously monitoring respiratory rate and SpO2 minimizes the risk of respiratory depression.

Question 5

A patient undergoing a total hip replacement receives a femoral nerve block preoperatively. Which assessment parameter is most important to monitor postoperatively?

Accepted Answer

Motor function and sensation of the affected extremity

Answer

Monitoring motor function and sensation ensures the nerve block is working as intended and identifies any complications such as nerve injury.

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC - American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Practice Test

ABPANC ABPANC Pain Management 3