CRRN Pain Management in Rehabilitation Nursing 2

Question 1

Which class of medication is considered first-line pharmacological treatment for neuropathic pain in rehabilitation patients?

Accepted Answer

Anticonvulsants (gabapentinoids)

Answer

Anticonvulsants such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are evidence-based first-line agents for neuropathic pain because they modulate calcium channels and reduce aberrant neuronal firing responsible for burning and shooting pain.

Question 2

A rehabilitation patient is receiving scheduled opioid analgesics for moderate-to-severe pain. Which nursing assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute with decreased arousal

Answer

Respiratory depression with decreased level of consciousness is the most life-threatening adverse effect of opioid analgesics and requires immediate intervention, including administration of naloxone (Narcan) and supportive care.

Question 3

What is the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen for a healthy adult patient in a rehabilitation setting?

Accepted Answer

4,000 mg/day

Answer

The maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen for healthy adults is 4,000 mg/day; however, many clinicians and guidelines recommend limiting to 3,000 mg/day in elderly patients or those with liver disease risk to prevent hepatotoxicity.

Question 4

A rehabilitation patient prescribed methadone for chronic pain management requires close monitoring because methadone:

Accepted Answer

Has a long and variable half-life that increases risk of accumulation

Answer

Methadone has a highly variable and prolonged half-life (8–59 hours) that can lead to drug accumulation and delayed respiratory depression, making careful dose titration and monitoring essential in rehabilitation settings.

Question 5

A rehabilitation nurse is teaching a patient about the risks of long-term NSAID use. Which adverse effect is of greatest concern for patient safety?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal bleeding and peptic ulcer formation

Answer

Long-term NSAID use inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces protective gastric mucosa production, significantly increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and peptic ulcer disease, especially in older rehabilitation patients.

CRRN - Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse Practice Test

CRRN - Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse Practice Test

CRRN Pain Management in Rehabilitation Nursing 2