The nurse is caring for a client who does not speak English and ...

[Redwolflake15]

The nurse is caring for a client who does not speak English and is assessing the client's pain level. The nurse should consider using which scale to help the client communicate pain levels?
 
  1. A pain questionnaire such as McGill
  2. Numeric pain intensity scale
  3. Descriptive pain intensity scale
  4. Wong-Baker FACES scale

Question 2

A client with chronic pain experiences panic when pain is perceived and the muscles become tight and tense. What approach should the nurse instruct the client to use to relax?
 
  1. Taking medication before the pain begins
  2. Utilizing a TENS unit
  3. Beginning diaphragmatic breathing as soon as pain is perceived
  4. Calling the physician

[akpaschal]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4

1. The McGill scale would not be reliable, as the client would have to be able to read English.
2. A numeric scale might be effective if the nurse could communicate with the client.
3. A descriptive scale also requires that the nurse and client be able to communicate.
4. The Wong-Baker FACES scale has the client pick a face that might describe pain from a range of faces, from a smiley face to a deep frown, and is an easy way for the clientespecially a childto communicate feelings of pain.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

1. Medication is a pharmacological treatment for pain that will not necessarily help the client to relax.
2. A TENS unit blocks pain impulses but does not help with panic or relaxation.
3. Diaphragmatic breathing is proven to help the client to relax and relieve tension.
4. The physician does not help the client with nonpharmacological means of pain relief; the nurse does.