A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving a PCA pump following a hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indicator of unrelieved pain?

Choice A Reason:

A client who has a spinal cord injury is correct. An interprofessional conference is often recommended for clients with complex and multifaceted health issues that require collaboration among various healthcare disciplines. A client with a spinal cord injury typically has complex care needs that involve multiple healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, nurses, and possibly surgeons or neurologists. The coordination of care for a client with a spinal cord injury often requires input and collaboration from various healthcare team members, making an interprofessional conference valuable.

Choice B Reason:

A torn rotator cuff may require physical therapy and orthopedic consultation but may not require the same level of multidisciplinary collaboration as a spinal cord injury.

Choice C Reason:

Acute appendicitis typically involves surgical intervention but may not require the same degree of ongoing interprofessional collaboration as other complex conditions.

Choice D Reason:

A urinary tract infection is a common and relatively straightforward condition that is usually managed by nurses and primary care providers without extensive interprofessional conferences.

A) Coiling the tubing on the bed above the collection bag is incorrect because it can cause urine to flow back into the bladder, increasing the risk of infection and compromising the effectiveness of the drainage system. The tubing should be kept below the level of the bladder to ensure proper drainage.

B) Instructing the client to hold the drainage bag at waist height when ambulating is incorrect because the drainage bag should always be kept below the level of the bladder to prevent urine from flowing back into the bladder, which could lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI).

C) Collecting a sterile specimen from the urinary drainage bag is incorrect because urine in the drainage bag is not considered sterile. If a sterile specimen is needed, it should be obtained by cleaning the catheter's sampling port with an antiseptic solution and withdrawing urine directly from the port using a sterile syringe.

D) Securing the tubing with adhesive tape to the lower abdomen is correct because it helps prevent accidental pulling or tugging on the catheter, which could cause discomfort or dislodgement. Properly securing the tubing also helps maintain a continuous flow of urine and reduces the risk of infection.