Author Question: A patient is refusing to take pain medication for chronic back pain. The nurse asks the patient to ... (Read 177 times)

jazziefee · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient is refusing to take pain medication for chronic back pain. The nurse asks the patient to rate the pain on a scale from 0 to 10. What is the nurse attempting to do with this patient?

1. Assess the patient's level of pain
2. Determine if the patient should remain in the hospital
3. Decide if the patient is being argumentative
4. Figure out if the patient should leave the hospital against medical advice

Question 2

A patient recovering from abdominal surgery is refusing hydromorphone (Dilaudid) because she has heard that it may be addictive. She is crying and rates her pain at 10 out of 10. What statements should the nurse include as part of the patient's education?

Select all that apply.

1. There is little to no risk of addiction when taking narcotics for pain.
2. Untreated pain can result in poor wound healing.
3. Patients with uncontrolled pain have an increased risk of blood clots.
4. Dehydration can result from poorly managed pain.
5. Family members will not want to visit patients showing visible signs of pain.

quynhmickitran · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The most reliable indicator of the presence and degree of pain is the patient's own statements about the pain. Pain rating scales ensure consistent communication about the pain level. The nurse is not attempting to question the patient's admission or stay in the hospital, to decide if the patient is being argumentative, or decide whether the patient should leave the hospital against medical advice.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2,3

A common myth among healthcare professionals is that using opioids for pain treatment poses a real threat of addiction. Actually, when the medications are used as recommended, there is little to no risk of addiction. Pain causes physiological consequences, including poor wound healing and coagulation leading to DVT or PE. There is no evidence that poor pain relief causes dehydration or refusal by family members to visit.