A nurse is assessing a client who has a brain tumor and is receiving palliative care. Which of the following findings indicates the nurse should administer pain medication?

Choice A reason: Avoiding reading for 3 months is not a standard instruction post-retinal detachment surgery. Reading may be restricted temporarily (e.g., 1-2 weeks) if specific positioning is required, but 3 months is excessive. Patients are typically advised to avoid straining, not reading, making this instruction incorrect.
Choice B reason: Bending at the waist increases intraocular pressure, which can disrupt retinal repair and lead to re-detachment. Patients should bend at the knees to avoid straining the eye. This instruction is harmful and contraindicated, as it risks complications in the healing retina.
Choice C reason: Lifting objects up to 50 pounds is dangerous post-retinal surgery, as heavy lifting increases intraocular pressure, risking re-detachment. Guidelines typically restrict lifting to 10-20 pounds during recovery (4-6 weeks). This instruction is incorrect, as it poses a significant risk to surgical outcomes.
Choice D reason: Taking a stool softener daily prevents straining during bowel movements, which can increase intraocular pressure and disrupt retinal healing. Constipation is a concern post-surgery due to immobility or pain medications, and stool softeners ensure safe bowel movements, making this the correct instruction.

Choice A reason: Encouraging open communication fosters dialogue, allowing nurses to resolve conflicts directly. This reduces tension and improves teamwork by addressing interpersonal issues, aligning with psychological principles of conflict resolution. Effective communication mitigates misunderstandings, enhancing collaboration in high-stress healthcare environments.
Choice B reason: Assigning an external mediator may help but is premature without trying internal resolution. Encouraging team dialogue leverages existing relationships, fostering cohesion. External mediators may not address unit-specific dynamics, making internal communication a more effective first step in resolving nurse conflicts.
Choice C reason: Mandatory team-building exercises may improve morale but do not directly resolve specific conflicts. Forcing participation can increase resentment if issues persist. Communication-based strategies target root causes, making them more effective for conflict resolution in healthcare teams compared to generic team-building.
Choice D reason: Reassigning nurses to different shifts avoids conflict but disrupts workflow and patient care continuity. It fails to address underlying issues, allowing tensions to persist. Communication-focused approaches promote resolution, maintaining team integrity and collaboration in healthcare settings, unlike reassignment.