a problem with a question

[Sallysame]

Hello everyone!

I was doing some practice questions and came across a strange question (below). you had to place the answers in the right order. the right answer is the following but I am confused. I thought that you always had to check the patient before the equipment whereas in this case it is the other way around. Any idea?

thanks!

The oncology client is using patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine for pain control. The client reports having pain and states it is a 7 (on a scale of 0 to 10). Indicate the correct sequence of nursing interventions by dragging and dropping the sentences into the correct order.

• Ensure the client is using the PCA equipment properly
  
  
• Confirm that there is power to the pump and the tubing is patent
  
  
• Assess the level of consciousness and respiratory status
  
  
• Check the chart for orders for treating breakthrough pain
  
  
• Consult with the health care provider
  

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Assess

Confirm

Ensure

Check

Consult

These would be my ideas

Assess should always be top priority

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

Agree. ALWAYS assess first. If the PCA is not working, that won't kill the patient, but if they are in pain because they are bleeding internally, or their lungs are filling with fluid, etc, they could code while you are fiddling with wires. So if the resource you are using is telling you to check the wires before you check the patient, then I would seriously consider NOT using that reference anymore!

[Sallysame]

Thank you so much for having reassured me. Indeed, I too would have assessed the patient before the material. Have a great day!