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    Pharmacology proctored exam - Pain seizure

    A client is in the hospital recovering from surgery. The client's adult child tells the nurse that they are concerned their parent will overdose on morphine because they keep pressing the button on the patient-controlled anesthesia (PCA) pump. In addition to reassessing the client's pain, what is the nurse's best response?

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. "I'll teach you some techniques to take their focus off the pain so they don't press the button so often.": This response does not address the safety concern about morphine overdose. It shifts the focus instead of reassuring the family about the PCA pump’s safeguards. B. "If they follow the directions given, that will not happen.": This assumes the client will always use the pump correctly and does not explain the built-in safety features of the PCA. It may come across as dismissive to the family’s concern without providing factual reassurance. C. "I'll come and teach them again how to use the PCA safely and effectively.": Education is important, but this answer implies user error as the cause of concern. It doesn’t explain the PCA pump’s programming limits, which is the root of the family member’s fear about overdose. D. "The device has maximum limits programmed, so your parent cannot get more than a specific amount.": PCA pumps are designed with lockout intervals and dosage limits to prevent overdose. This answer directly addresses the concern with a clear explanation, reassuring the family that safety mechanisms are in place.

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