A client is two days postoperative from a right lower lobectomy ...

[809779]

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.

[jessofishing]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D

Feedback
A Incorrect: This is not an appropriate nursing response to a client in pain.
B Incorrect: There is no evidence that the client's respirations are not within defined limits.
C Incorrect: This is not an appropriate nursing response to a client in pain.
D Correct: The half-life of morphine IV is 20 minutes with a duration of one-to-two hours, so the nurse should collaborate with the health care provider concerning the morphine prescription.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A

Feedback
A Correct: This is an appropriate response by the nurse--true, yet compassionate.
B Incorrect: This is a false statement.
C Incorrect: This statement lacks compassion and client focus and is an unprofessional nursing response.
D Incorrect: This passes the explanation process off onto the health care provider and is an unprofessional nursing response.

[809779]

Great answer, keep it coming

[kthug]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it