Author Question: A new nurse reports to the precepting nurse that a client requested pain medication, and when the ... (Read 137 times)

Brittanyd9008 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A new nurse reports to the precepting nurse that a client requested pain medication, and when the nurse brought it, the client was sound asleep. The nurse states the client cannot possibly sleep with the severe pain the client described. What response by

a. Being able to sleep doesn't mean pain doesn't exist.
b. Have you ever experienced any type of pain?
c. The client should be assessed for drug addiction.
d. You're right; I would put the medication back.

Question 2

The nurse in the surgery clinic is discussing an upcoming surgical procedure with a client. What information provided by the nurse is most appropriate for the client's long-term outcome?

a. At least you know that the pain after surgery will diminish quickly.
b. Discuss acceptable pain control after your operation with the surgeon.
c. Opioids often cause nausea but you won't have to take them for long.
d. The nursing staff will give you pain medication when you ask them for it.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
A client's description is the most accurate assessment of pain. The nurse should believe the client and provide pain relief. Physiologic changes due to pain vary from client to client, and assessments of them should not supersede the client's descriptions, especially if the pain is chronic in nature. Asking if the new nurse has had pain is judgmental and flippant, and does not provide useful information. This amount of information does not warrant an assessment for drug addiction. Putting the medication back and ignoring the client's report of pain serves no useful purpose.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The best outcome after a surgical procedure is timely and satisfactory pain control, which diminishes the likelihood of chronic pain afterward. The nurse suggests that the client advocate for himself and discuss acceptable pain control with the surgeon. Stating that pain after surgery is usually short lived does not provide the client with options to have personalized pain control. To prevent or reduce nausea and other side effects from opioids, a multimodal pain approach is desired. For acute pain after surgery, giving pain medications around the clock instead of waiting until the client requests it is a better approach.