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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
No explanation
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client has state-sponsored health insurance: While information about the client's health insurance coverage is important for billing and financial purposes, it may not be directly relevant to the discussion in an interprofessional team meeting unless it specifically impacts the client's access to healthcare resources or affects decision-making regarding their care plan.
The reason for including this information is that difficulty ambulating can impact the client's overall mobility and functional status. It can have implications for their ability to perform activities of daily living, increase the risk of falls, and require additional interventions or resources. By sharing this information with the interprofessional team, appropriate strategies and interventions can be discussed and implemented to address the client's mobility issues.
The client's next dressing change is scheduled in 4 hours: The timing of the client's dressing change may be important for nursing documentation and scheduling purposes. However, it may not be a significant focus of discussion in an interprofessional team meeting unless there are specific concerns or issues related to the dressing change that require collaboration and coordination among the healthcare team.
The client's vital signs are checked every 8 hours: The frequency of vital sign checks is an important aspect of nursing care and monitoring. However, unless there are specific concerns or deviations from normal vital signs that need to be discussed, it may not be the primary information to include in an interprofessional team meeting. The focus of the meeting is typically on broader aspects of the client's condition, care plan, and multidisciplinary interventions.
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