A client who is 2 days postoperative for thoracic surgery is reporting incisional pain 2 hours after receiving pain medication. The client rates the pain as 5 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. After placing a call to the healthcare provider, which action should the nurse implement?

Provide at least 20 minutes of back massage and gentle efleurage.

Instruct the client to use guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing.

Place a hot water circulation device, such as an aquathermia pad, on the operative site.

Tune to a television show or easy listening music to provide distraction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Providing a back massage and gentle efleurage can help alleviate pain through relaxation
techniques and is a non-pharmacological method to manage pain.

Choice B reason: Guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing are helpful relaxation techniques, but they may not be as immediately effective for incisional pain as direct physical interventions.

Choice C reason: The use of a hot water circulation device should be done with caution postoperatively, as it may not be appropriate depending on the surgical site and the client's condition.

Choice D reason: Distraction techniques like watching television or listening to music can be helpful, but they may not address the physical component of the client's incisional pain.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: While the client's medical history and admission assessment provide valuable information, they do not directly measure the current pain experience.

Choice B reason: Vital signs can indicate pain but are not a definitive measure of pain severity as they can be influenced by other factors.

Choice C reason: The frequency of analgesic administration may suggest the level of pain control but does not measure the current pain intensity experienced by the client.

Choice D reason: Asking the client to describe the intensity of the pain is the most direct and effective way to assess pain severity. Pain is subjective, and the client's self-report is considered the gold standard for pain assessment.

A. Assess for sources of pain other than the surgical site. B. Change to a behavioral pain scale. C. Give a dose of 2.5 mg of morphine. D. Refer to social work for drug-seeking behavior. E. Bring an opioid reversal agent to the bedside. F. Lead the client in guided imagery. G. Consult with the surgeon about the pain level. H. Helping the client walk around the room.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","G","H"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:
The increase in heart rate from 78 to 118 beats per minute, along with the increase in pain rating from 3 to 8, suggests that the client may be experiencing pain from a source other than the surgical site. It is important to assess for other potential sources of pain to ensure comprehensive pain management.
Choice B reason:
Changing to a behavioral pain scale is not indicated in this scenario. The numerical pain scale is a standard and effective method for assessing pain levels, and there is no indication that the client has difficulty communicating her pain using this scale.
Choice C reason:
Given that the client's pain rating increased to 8, which is above the threshold of 4 on the pain scale, administering a dose of 2.5 mg of morphine as per the orders is appropriate to manage her pain.
Choice D reason:
Referring to social work for drug-seeking behavior is not supported by the information provided. The client's increased pain rating and heart rate suggest a legitimate need for pain management rather than drug-seeking behavior.
Choice E reason:
Bringing an opioid reversal agent to the bedside is not indicated unless there is a concern for opioid overdose, which is not suggested by the information provided.
Choice F reason:
While guided imagery can be a helpful adjunct for pain management, it is not the primary intervention needed at this time given the client's significant increase in pain and heart rate.
Choice G reason:
Consulting with the surgeon about the client's increased pain level is important to rule out any complications from the surgery and to discuss further pain management strategies.
Choice H reason:
Assisting the client to walk around the room may help in pain management and is part of the postoperative care plan to increase walking distance. However, it should be done cautiously considering the client's current pain level.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client who is 2 days postoperative for thoracic surgery is reporting incisional pain 2 hours after receiving pain medication. The client rates the pain as 5 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. After placing a call to the healthcare provider, which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing a client's pain experience. Which nursing intervention is most effective in determining the severity of a client's pain?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Patient Data Exhibits Based on the trending heart rate and pain score, what should the nurse do? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","G","H"]

Explanation

Exhibits What other recommendations could the nurse give to help the patient have better sleep? Select all that apply.

The nurse learns that members of the nursing staff are uncomfortable with responding to client family members who are angry. While designing a teaching session to help the staff respond more effectively in these situations, which instructional strategy is best for the nurse to use?

After obtaining an oxygen saturation level of 94% for a client with pneumonia who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 L/minute, the nurse observes a red mark on the client's right cheek. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

A small, round raised area appears under the client's skin as the nurse administers an intradermal medication. Which action should the nurse take?

A family member is demonstrating wound care using sterile technique. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?

The nurse is planning assignments for the staff on a medical-surgical unit. Which task should the nurse assign to the practical nurse (PN)?