Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

A patient with known dementia postoperatively exhibits agitation, tachycardia, and hypertension. What should the nurse prioritize administering?

1. Anti-hypertensive medications

2. Sedatives to calm the patient

3. Pain medication

4. Restrain the patient for safety

The correct answer is: Pain medication

In the context of postoperative care for a patient with known dementia who is displaying agitation, tachycardia, and hypertension, prioritizing the administration of pain medication is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, the symptoms of agitation and increased heart rate can often be indicative of inadequate pain management. Patients with dementia may have difficulty communicating their discomfort, and their agitation may be a non-verbal expression of pain. By addressing potential pain as a contributing factor to the patient's distress, the nurse can help alleviate some of the symptoms of agitation, tachycardia, and hypertension. Pain relief can lead to a more stable cardiovascular status and a calmer demeanor, therefore, improving overall postoperative outcomes. Moreover, administering sedatives to calm the patient, while potentially useful, does not address the underlying cause of their distress and could lead to oversedation, especially in a sensitive population like those with dementia. Similarly, anti-hypertensive medications could lower blood pressure but would not directly address the agitation or the potential root cause, which is pain. Restraining the patient is generally considered an option of last resort and is not appropriate as a primary intervention due to ethical considerations and the risk of further agitation. In summary, focusing on managing pain effectively is the most appropriate