A client with diabetic peripheral neuropathy has been taking pregabalin for 4 days.
Which finding indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring blood pressure is a general health assessment measure and may not directly contribute to pain relief in a client with migraine headaches. While it's essential to manage blood pressure as part of overall health, this choice does not address the client's specific request for pain relief.

Choice B rationale:

Taking a few days off work may provide some relief from external stressors, but it is not a reliable intervention for migraine pain relief. Migraine management typically involves strategies that directly target headache symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Learning muscle relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing migraine headaches. Relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, can reduce muscle tension and help alleviate headache symptoms. However, it may not be the highest-priority intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Lying down in a dark, quiet room is the most appropriate intervention for obtaining pain relief from a migraine headache. This approach minimizes sensory stimuli, reduces external factors that may exacerbate the headache, and promotes relaxation. It is a well-established non-pharmaceutical method for managing migraine pain.

The correct answer is Choice C: Assign the remainder of medication administration to another Practical Nurse (PN) who is performing treatments.

Choice A reason: Denying the medication aide’s request to leave before all medications are given does not address the issue at hand and could potentially jeopardize patient care. It is important to acknowledge the medication aide’s request and find an appropriate solution that ensures patient safety and well-being.

Choice B reason: Delegating medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who may not have the necessary training or authorization could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or other negative outcomes. It is essential to adhere to the scope of practice guidelines and facility policies when assigning tasks to UAPs.

Choice C reason: Reassigning the medication administration to another PN with the necessary qualifications and training ensures that patients receive their medications in a safe and timely manner. This action aligns with the practical nurse’s responsibility to supervise and delegate tasks appropriately, maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care.

Choice D reason: Documenting why medications were not given to each resident is an important aspect of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records. However, it does not address the immediate need to administer medications to residents, and it is not a substitute for ensuring that patients receive their prescribed treatments. Documentation should be completed after the appropriate steps have been taken to administer medications or arrange for an alternative solution.