Author Question: A nurse has brought the patient his scheduled pain medication. The patient asks the nurse to wait to ... (Read 71 times)

strangeaffliction · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse has brought the patient his scheduled pain medication. The patient asks the nurse to wait to give pain medication until the time for the dressing change, which is 2 hours away. Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

a. This medication will still be providing you relief at the time of your dressing change.
b. OK, swallow this pain pill, and I will return in a minute to fill your wound.
c. Would you like medication to be given for dressing changes on top of your regularly scheduled medication?
d. Your medication is scheduled for this time, and I can't adjust the time for you. I'm sorry, but you must take your pill right now.

Question 2

A nurse is providing medication education to a patient who just started taking ibuprofen, a nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Which statement made by the nurse best indicates how ibuprofen works?

a. Ibuprofen helps to remove factors that cause or stimulate pain.
b. Ibuprofen reduces anxiety, which will help you better cope with your pain.
c. Ibuprofen helps to decrease the production of prostaglandins.
d. Ibuprofen binds with opiate receptors to reduce your pain.

jonathanballen97 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
STAT doses of medication can be given to patients in certain circumstances, as with an extensive dressing change. By asking to hold off on the dose, the patient is indicating that the dressing changes are extremely painful. The regularly scheduled dose might not be as effective for the patient. Oral medications take 30 to 60 minutes to take effect. If the nurse began the dressing change right then, the medication would not have been absorbed yet. The patient has the right to refuse to take a medication. It is the nurse's responsibility to communicate with the provider and with the patient about a pain control plan that works for both.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
NSAIDs like ibuprofen most likely work by decreasing the synthesis of prostaglandins to inhibit cellular responses to inflammation. Ibuprofen does not remove factors that cause pain, nor does it enhance coping with pain. Opioids bind with opiate receptors to modify perceptions of pain.