Sample interview questions: How do you manage and monitor patients receiving intravenous or oral pain medications during plastic surgery procedures?
Sample answer:
- Assess the patient’s pain level regularly. Use a pain scale to quantify the patient’s pain, and reassess it frequently to monitor the effectiveness of the pain medication.
- Start with non-opioid pain relievers. If the patient’s pain is mild to moderate, start with non-opioid pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications are less likely to cause side effects than opioids.
- Use opioids judiciously. If the patient’s pain is severe, opioids may be necessary. However, opioids should be used judiciously to avoid side effects such as respiratory depression, nausea, and vomiting.
- Monitor the patient for side effects. Opioids can cause a number of side effects, including respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and urinary retention. Monitor the patient for these side effects and treat them promptly if they occur.
- Educate the patient about pain management. Teach the patient about the different types of pain medications, their side effects, and how to take them safely. Encourage the patient to report any pain or side effects to the nurse.
- Document pain management. Document the patient’s pain level, the type of pain medication given, the dose, the route of… Read full answer
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