Author Question: The patient is being seen for chronic back pain. The patient states, I'm always in pain, and I don't ... (Read 164 times)

sjones · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The patient is being seen for chronic back pain. The patient states, I'm always in pain, and I don't like taking the pain medication because it makes me sleepy. I have to work to support my family.

The nurse is aware that this patient may be a candidate for cutaneous stimulation. Cutaneous stimulation includes which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. TENS unit
b. NSAIDs
c. Massage
d. Yoga
e. Ice bags

Question 2

The student nurse is working on the surgical floor. The student nurse is assigned to take care of a patient with hemiplegia and communication deficits from a previous stroke. The patient is 1-day postoperative from abdominal surgery.

Which of the following interventions would promote comfort and help the patient remain pain free? (Select all that apply.) a. Keep the bed sheet wrinkle free.
b. Only change wet dressings or bed linens once a shift.
c. Remove noxious stimuli from the room.
d. Continue to use the establish pain scale for this patient.
e. Give pain medication after ambulation down the hall.

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

Answer to Question 1

A, C, E
Cutaneous stimulation of the skin helps to relieve pain. A massage, warm bath, ice bag, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are simple ways to reduce pain perception. How cutaneous stimulation works is unclear, but it may cause release of endorphins, thus blocking transmission of painful stimuli. NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can help relieve chronic back pain through pharmaceutical therapy. Yoga is used as a diversional or holistic therapy.

Answer to Question 2

A, C, D
One simple way to promote comfort is to remove or prevent painful stimuli. For example, tighten and smooth wrinkled bed linen and be sure to position patients off tubing and other equipment. Change wet dressings or bed linen immediately. Removing noxious stimuli is especially important for patients who are immobile. You can prevent pain by anticipating painful activities (e.g., ambulation, turning). Before performing a procedure, consider the patient's condition, aspects of the procedure that are painful, and ways to avoid causing pain. Always use an established pain scale to promote accurate assessment of pain.