The nurse is talking to the spouse of a client who is not ...

[Yi-Chen]

The nurse is talking to the spouse of a client who is not requiring pain medication a few hours after surgery.
 
  The spouse states that she is amazed that her husband is able to endure such pain without medication. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate in this situation?
  1. Some people just don't need any analgesics.
  2. Have you seen any nonverbal cues that might indicate your husband is experiencing pain?
  3. We will need to contact the healthcare provider to report your husband is refusing analgesics.
  4. Have you noticed your husband's monitor alarming?

Question 2

The spouse of a client who is being treated for chronic pain asks the nurse why an antidepressant has been prescribed and states, My husband is not depressed. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
 
  1. I would think having chronic pain would make your husband depressed.
  2. It may be to prevent depression due to physical limitations.
  3. This type of medication can help inhibit painful stimuli.
  4. Your husband is at risk for suicidal thoughts related to the chronic pain.

[ansleighelindsey]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2

A variety of factors will influence a client's perception of pain and willingness to receive analgesics. The nurse will need to promote a comprehensive assessment of the client's pain experience. Nonverbal behaviors will need to be considered. Some clients may be stoic with the pain experience. There is no need to contact the healthcare provider at this time. The client's vital signs should be considered in the assessment of pain but they are not the priority consideration.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

Tricyclic antidepressants can inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. This would assist with the modulation phase of pain response by decreasing the pain stimuli response. This medication is not being used to prevent depression, manage depression, or reduce the incidence of suicidal thoughts.