Question

The doctor has ordered Percocet (oxycodone) for a client following abdominal surgery. The primary objective of nursing care for the client receiving an opiate analgesic is to: A. Prevent addiction B. Alleviate pain C. Facilitate mobility D. Prevent nausea

Short answer

Answer: B. Alleviate pain

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the options

Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever used to manage moderate to severe pain. We will examine each of the options given: A. Prevent addiction: Opiate analgesics like oxycodone can be addictive if misused, but it's not the primary objective of nursing care for a patient receiving it post-surgery. B. Alleviate pain: The main purpose of administering an opiate analgesic is to relieve pain, especially for patients who have undergone surgery. C. Facilitate mobility: Opiate analgesics can help reduce pain, which may indirectly improve the patient's mobility. However, it's not the primary objective. D. Prevent nausea: Opiate analgesics can cause side effects like nausea, but preventing nausea isn't the primary focus of nursing care for a patient taking Percocet after surgery.

Identifying the primary objective

From the analysis of the options, we can conclude that option B is the correct one. The primary objective of nursing care for a client receiving an opiate analgesic like Percocet is: B. Alleviate pain

Key concepts

Opiate Analgesic Administration

The administration of opiate analgesics is a critical component of postoperative care, particularly after procedures like abdominal surgery. Opiates, such as oxycodone found in medications like Percocet, are potent pain relievers aimed at managing moderate to severe pain.

When nurses administer these medications, their primary goal is to alleviate pain, ensuring patient comfort and facilitating recovery. Proper dosing is vital to balance effective pain relief while minimizing the risk of side effects, such as respiratory depression, constipation, and potential addiction.

It's also essential for nursing care to monitor patients for adverse reactions and to assess pain levels regularly to adjust medication as needed. Educating patients about the use of these medications, including potential risks and correct usage, is also an integral part of nursing responsibilities.

Pain Management in Postoperative Care

Effective pain management is a cornerstone of postoperative care. The goal is to provide relief from the discomfort and facilitate the healing process. Postoperative pain, if poorly managed, can lead to complications including delayed mobility, increased risk of blood clots, and even chronic pain syndromes.

In managing a patient's pain after abdominal surgery, a multimodal approach is often employed. This can include the use of opiate analgesics in combination with non-opioid medications, regional anesthesia techniques, and non-pharmacological methods such as ice packs, relaxation techniques, and physical therapy.

Nurses play a pivotal role in assessing pain levels using appropriate pain scales and ensuring that pain management protocols are closely followed while being aware of the patient's past medical history and any potential for opiate sensitivity or addiction.

Patient Care After Abdominal Surgery

Following abdominal surgery, patient care encompasses various aspects beyond managing pain. Nurses focus on monitoring vital signs, ensuring proper wound care, and preventing postoperative complications like infections or ileus.

Early mobilization is encouraged to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to promote gastrointestinal recovery. Gradual increase in activity level is balanced with ensuring that patients do not undertake too strenuous activities that may impair their surgical site.

Nutrition is another critical part of care after abdominal surgery. Nurses should ensure that patients progress from clear liquids to more substantial meals in accordance with their recovery stage and digestive system response. Hydration, a key factor in recovery, is monitored and maintained. Nurses also educate patients and their families on post-discharge care, recognizing signs of complications, and when to seek medical advice.