Mr. Roger is 2 days postoperative of a thoracotomy forremoval of a malignant mass in his left chest. His pain is beingmanaged via an epidural catheter with morphine ( an apioidanalgesic).As the nurse assumes care of Mr. Roger's, he is alertand fully oriented, and states that this current pain is 2 on a1-to-10 scale. His vital signs are 37.8-92-12,138/82.(Learningobjective 6).
a. what are benefits of epidural versus systematic administrationof opioids?
b. The nurse monitors Mr.Rogers' respiratory status and vital signsevery 2 hours. What is the rationale for this frequentassessments?
c.The nurse monitors Mr.Rogers for what other complications ofepidural analgesia?
d. Mrs. Roger's complains of a severe headache. What should thenurse do?
e. Me. Rogers' epidural morphine and decreased mobility increasehis chances of constipation. What interventions should be includedin his plan of care to minimize constipation?
