Author Question: Madelyn is a student nurse who is providing preoperative teaching for a patient regarding pain ... (Read 34 times)

joblessjake · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

Madelyn is a student nurse who is providing preoperative teaching for a patient regarding pain control after surgery. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the use of postop-erative analgesia? Select all that apply.

A. Analgesics will not provide adequate relief if you wait until the pain becomes excruciating before using them.
B. Pain control will help you recover from surgery quicker.
C. You shouldn't be concerned about becoming addicted to your pain medica-tions.
D. You will remain pain-free as long as you take your pain medications as pre-scribed.

Question 2

When is it appropriate to ask a surgeon to clarify information for a patient who is undergoing surgery? Select all that apply.

A. Before the informed consent has been signed
B. When a patient is confused about the reason for the procedure
C. When a patient understands the risks involved in a procedure
D. If there is confusion about the procedure after the informed consent is signed

ms_sulzle · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A, B, C
Analgesics will not provide adequate pain relief if the patient waits until the pain becomes ex-cruciating before using or requesting an analgesic. Even though around-the-clock (ATC) analge-sia is more effective, most patients still have analgesics ordered prn (as needed). Pain control is essential for a surgical patient to recover quickly. Encourage the patient to use analgesics as needed and not be fearful of any dependence on pain medications after surgery. Explain the schedule for administration of epidural, intramuscular, and oral analgesics. If analgesics are not ordered ATC, encourage the patient to inform nurses as soon as pain becomes a persistent dis-comfort. The patient also needs to know it takes time for a drug to act and that the drug will rarely eliminate all the discomfort.

Answer to Question 2

A, B, D
Patients need to sign all consent forms before you administer any preoperative medications that alter the patient's consciousness. The primary responsibility for informing the patient rests with the surgeon and anesthesia care personnel. However, if the patient is confused or uncertain about a procedure, you are ethically obligated to contact the surgeon and/or anesthesia care provider so that further discussion and clarification are provided to meet the patient's needs. The patient al-ways has the right to refuse surgery or treatment even after giving written consent.