ABPANC Pain Management Flashcards

Which pain assessment scale is most appropriate for a non-verbal adult patient in the PACU?

Answer: Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS)

The Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) is validated for non-verbal or intubated adult patients who cannot self-report pain.

A patient in Phase I PACU reports pain rated 8/10 after a total knee replacement. Which analgesic approach aligns with multimodal pain management?

Answer: Combine IV opioid with a non-opioid such as IV acetaminophen

Multimodal analgesia combines opioid and non-opioid agents to improve pain control while reducing opioid-related adverse effects.

Which side effect of opioid analgesics requires the perianesthesia nurse to have naloxone immediately available?

Answer: Respiratory depression

Naloxone is the opioid antagonist used to reverse life-threatening respiratory depression, a critical opioid adverse effect.

A patient recovering from abdominal surgery has a continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine and fentanyl. The nurse notes bilateral lower extremity weakness. What is the priority action?

Answer: Notify the anesthesia provider and assess sensory level

New-onset motor block with epidural infusion may indicate excessive spread or epidural hematoma, requiring immediate anesthesia provider notification and neurological assessment.

Which numerical pain score on a 0–10 scale generally indicates the need for reassessment and intervention according to ASPAN standards?

Answer: 5 or above

A pain score of 5 or above on a 0–10 scale typically triggers reassessment and a pain management intervention per ASPAN guidelines.

Ketorolac is administered to a post-surgical patient for pain management. Which contraindication is most important to verify before administration?

Answer: Renal impairment or recent renal surgery

Ketorolac is an NSAID that can worsen renal function; it is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment or procedures involving the kidneys.