A nurse is assessing an adolescent client whose parent has recently died.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

Reduced respiratory rate is not a typical manifestation of pain. In fact, pain often leads to an increased respiratory rate as the body responds to discomfort by trying to minimize it.

Choice B rationale:

Elevated blood pressure is a common manifestation of pain. When a person experiences pain, their sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This response is designed to prepare the body to fight or flee from a potential threat, and it helps redirect blood flow to vital organs.

Choice C rationale:

Constricted pupils are not a direct manifestation of pain. In contrast, dilated pupils can be seen in response to pain as a result of sympathetic nervous system activation.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased heart rate is not typically associated with pain. Pain tends to increase heart rate as a part of the body's stress response.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a scheduled pain medication for a client who is in pain is an act of beneficence rather than autonomy. Beneficence focuses on doing good for the patient, while autonomy involves respecting the patient's right to make choices about their care.

Choice B rationale:

Fulfilling a promise to a client to return with their pain medication is related to veracity and accountability rather than autonomy. Autonomy pertains to the patient's ability to make choices regarding their care.

Choice D rationale:

Providing nonpharmacological pain interventions equally to all clients is related to justice and fairness rather than autonomy. Autonomy involves respecting an individual's right to make decisions about their treatment. Now, let's move on to the next question.