A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving a spinal epidural to treat a herniated disc.

Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indicator of unrelieved pain?

Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and it can have a significant impact on the client's self-esteem and body image. The nurse should respond with empathy and provide supportive information and resources to help the client cope with hair loss.
Offering head-covering options such as wigs, scarves, or hats can help the client feel more comfortable and confident during the hair loss process.
The other responses are less appropriate:
A. "I can't imagine how difficult it would be to lose my hair." While expressing empathy is important, it is crucial to focus on the client's needs and experiences rather than the nurse's own feelings. This response may unintentionally minimize the client's concerns.
B. "I wouldn't worry about this right now. Let's focus on your chemotherapy." Dismissing or minimizing the client's concerns about hair loss can be invalidating and may not address the emotional impact it can have on the client. It is important to provide information and support regarding hair loss management as part of comprehensive care.
C. "Let's discuss this when we have more time." This response delays addressing the client's concerns and may leave the client feeling unheard or dismissed. The nurse should make an effort to provide support and information in a timely manner to address the client's needs.

The AIMS is specifically designed to assess for the presence and severity of abnormal involuntary movements, which can be a side effect of long-term antipsychotic medication use, including tardive dyskinesia. It consists of a series of standardized movements and observations that assess different body regions for abnormal movements. The nurse can use this tool to monitor the client's movements and identify any signs of tardive dyskinesia.

A. Mental Status Examination (MSE): The MSE is a comprehensive assessment of a client's mental status, including their cognition, mood, and thought processes. While the MSE is an important tool in assessing overall mental health, it is not specific to tardive dyskinesia.
C. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a screening tool for depression that assesses the severity of depressive symptoms. While depression can be a comorbidity in individuals with schizophrenia, the PHQ-9 does not directly assess for tardive dyskinesia.
D. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS): The BPRS is a rating scale used to assess the severity of psychiatric symptoms in individuals with mental disorders. While it is useful in evaluating overall symptomatology in schizophrenia, it does not specifically target tardive dyskinesia.