Author Question: The nurse caring for a client with severe dementia has assessed the client's level of pain as ... (Read 62 times)

lidoalex · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse caring for a client with severe dementia has assessed the client's level of pain as moderate
and has provided pain relief medication.

An hour after the medication is administered, reassessment
suggests that the client is still in pain. The best action for the nurse to take would be to
a. seek an order for additional analgesia.
b. reposition the client.
c. offer oral intake.
d. give adjuvant medication.

Question 2

A grieving client tells the nurse It has been 8 months since my husband died. I thought I would be
feeling better by this time, but lately I have felt worse. I have no energy. I feel lonely, but I do not
want to be around people.

What should I do? The best counsel would be to
a. attend a bereavement group.
b. become active in a church.
c. seek psychotherapy.
d. understand this is normal.

Galvarado142 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Repositioning the client offers an opportunity to provide a simple, yet often effective, comfort
measure. Another tip is to ensure the patency of the indwelling catheter if the client has one.
Blocked urine flow can create pain associated with a distended bladder. Options A and D: Seeking
additional or adjuvant medication an hour after analgesic administration is not advised. Option C:
Oral intake may not be feasible because many clients with severe dementia have difficulty
swallowing.

Answer to Question 2

D
The client needs understanding and support that her feelings are normal. Although feelings of
depression generally decline over the period of a year after the death of a loved one, the decline is
not linear. Loneliness and aimlessness are most pronounced 6 to 9 months after the death. The client
should be given this and other information about phenomena experienced during bereavement if she
has not already received it. If it has been previously given, the information should be reinforced and
the client given understanding and support. The other options are not clearly indicated.