A client is two days postoperative from a right lower lobectomy and has been receiving morphine sulfate 2 mg intravenously q.4h p.r.n. for postoperative pain. It has been two hours since his last dose, and he is now requesting pain medication.
When the nurse enters the client's room to administer the morphine, the client states his pain level is 8/10. What is the best action by the nurse?
a. Tell the client his health care provider said he could only be medicated every four hours.
b. Tell the client that his respiration rate is a little low, so he will have to wait several more hours before receiving the morphine.
c. Tell the client he still has two hours to wait for his medication.
d. Collaborate with the health care provider to decrease the dosing interval.
Question 2
A placebo is being used to treat a client for complaint of chronic pain. The client learns that she is being treated with a placebo and asks the nurse why she is not being given real pain medication. The nurse's best response is:
a. There is no particular medication useful in treating your pain. Placebos have been shown to be effective in beginning the self-healing process.
b. Placebos are real pain medications and should be effective in treating the chronic pain you are experiencing.
c. Your pain is psychological; therefore, no medication will help.
d. Ask your health care provider; who prescribed it and knows what is best for you.
Preoperative and Postoperative Patient Instructions
Stand in a doorway and hook your fingertips on both sides about chest level or lower.
The upper intake manifold, often called a plenum, attaches to the lower intake manifold.
Example of simplified note for one-time client.
Testing patellar reflex, client in a sitting position
Pitting edema of the lower extremities