Cancer Care Medication Administration

Questions and Answers

What should the nurse clarify with the provider regarding the PCA pump prescription?

Morphine dosage exceeding the recommended limits (correct)

A fixed-dose schedule without patient-controlled settings (correct)

Frequency of monitoring vital signs during PCA use

Administration of additional non-opioid analgesics simultaneously

Why is it important for the nurse to clarify the morphine dosage in the PCA pump?

To prevent the risk of paradoxical pain relief

To minimize the chances of opioid overdose (correct)

To ensure it complies with legal prescribing guidelines

To ensure that the dosage aligns with patient's history

Which prescription might indicate an issue that needs clarification?

Adjustment of morphine based on patient-reported pain levels

Limitations on the number of button presses allowed

Patient education on PCA usage once every two weeks (correct)

Continuous infusion of morphine without a pause option (correct)

What could necessitate a clarification on the PCA orders?

<p>Instructing the patient to share the PCA pump with others</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of PCA pump usage may require further explanation to the provider?

<p>Variation in dosing between day and night</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medication Administration in Cancer Care

Patients with cancer often experience severe pain, necessitating pain management strategies such as PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) systems.
Morphine is a common opioid used in PCA pumps to provide controlled pain relief.

PCA Pump Overview

A PCA pump allows patients to self-administer predetermined doses of morphine, enhancing pain control while minimizing the risk of overdose.
It’s crucial for nurses to regularly review medication administration records to ensure proper dosing and adherence to prescribed protocols.

Clarification of Prescriptions

Nurses must be vigilant in identifying any prescriptions that may require clarification to ensure patient safety and appropriate pain management.
Any unusual or ambiguous medication orders (e.g., incorrect dosages, inappropriate medication combinations) should be addressed directly with the prescribing provider.

Importance of Effective Communication

Clear communication between nurses and healthcare providers is vital to prevent medication errors, particularly in high-risk settings like cancer care.
It’s essential for nurses to feel empowered to ask questions regarding treatment plans to optimize patient outcomes.

Description

This quiz focuses on the administration of medications in cancer care, particularly the use of PCA pumps for pain management. It covers important aspects such as monitoring dosages, clarifying prescriptions, and effective communication among healthcare providers to ensure patient safety. Test your knowledge on these critical components of oncology nursing.