A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a hemicolectomy. Which of the following is a subjective indication that the client needs PRN pain medication?
The client's heart rate is 110/min.
The client is guarding their abdominal incision.
The client exhibits facial grimacing.
The client reports pain.
The Correct Answer is D
The subjective indication that the client needs PRN (as needed) pain medication is when the client reports pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and it is essential to address the client's self-reported pain level and provide appropriate pain management.
Explanation for the other options:
a) The client's heart rate is 110/min: An increased heart rate can be an objective indication of pain, but it is not a subjective indication. Subjective indications are based on the client's self-report or personal experiences.
b) The client is guarding their abdominal incision: Guarding the abdominal incision may suggest discomfort or pain, but it is an objective indication that can be observed by the nurse. Subjective indications focus on the client's self-report.
c) The client exhibits facial grimacing: Facial grimacing can be an objective indication of pain, but it is not a subjective indication. Again, subjective indications are based on the client's self-report or personal experiences.
In this scenario, the most reliable and appropriate indication for administering PRN pain medication is when the client reports pain, as this acknowledges the client's own perception of their pain level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should expect to find hyperkalemia in the medical record of a client who has sustained a full- thickness burn and is in the emergent phase of the burn. This is due to the release of potassium from damaged cells into the bloodstream.
a) Hypernatremia is not a common finding in the emergent phase of a burn.
b) Hypercalcemia is not a common finding in the emergent phase of a burn.
c) Hypermagnesemia is not a common finding in the emergent phase of a burn.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The presence of alcohol on a nurse's breath raises concerns regarding impairment and the potential for compromised patient safety. It is crucial to prioritize patient safety and prevent any potential harm. Removing the nurse from the client care area ensures that immediate patient safety is addressed and minimizes the risk of any adverse events.
Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse: While involving the supervisor is important, it should not be the first action taken in this situation. The immediate priority is to address patient safety by removing the nurse from the client care area.
Assign clients to the remaining staff: Assigning clients to the remaining staff should not be the first action taken because it may compromise patient safety if the nurse in question is impaired. It is important to ensure that the nurse is removed from the client care area before reassigning the clients to other staff members.
Document objective findings about the situation: Documenting the objective findings about the situation is important for accurate record-keeping and reporting. However, it should not be the first action taken when immediate patient safety is at stake. Removing the nurse from the client care area is the priority.
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