Author Question: A nurse assesses an older adult following the repair of an abdominal hernia. The older adult client ... (Read 143 times)

SAVANNAHHOOPER23 · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

A nurse assesses an older adult following the repair of an abdominal hernia. The older adult client states, I really hate to take pain medication. Which response by the nurse is best?

A) Early treatment of pain helps now and can reduce the incidence of chronic pain.
B) Pain medication today doesn't really have any side effects.
C) Tell me about your fears regarding pain medication.
D) This pain you are having is normal, and as you heal, the pain level will decrease.

Question 2

An 80-year-old black woman minimizes her pain in the joints and back as normal aging. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most appropriate?

A) Address the client's concerns regarding addiction.
B) Allow the client to choose to minimize the pain.
C) Encourage opioid use for pain relief.
D) Offer warm packs for joints.

Fayaz00962 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Recent studies have focused on the complex mechanisms involved with the development of persistent postsurgical pain, finding that its incidence can be reduced with the use of aggressive and early analgesic therapy. The client does not express that they have fear. Medications have side effects. The pain level may decrease with time. But if not treated, it is unlikely to and more likely to develop into persistent pain.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
Racial and ethnic minorities and women are at high risk for receiving inadequate pain relief. The nurse must discuss nonpharmacologic interventions as well as dispelling myths regarding the functional consequences of aging and pain treatment. This client does not express concerns regarding addiction. Older adults commonly fear negative consequences of analgesics.