A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative. When helping to manage the client's pain, which of the following principles should the nurse apply? (Select all that apply.).

Choice A rationale:
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a method of pain management that allows the patient to administer their own pain medication within specified limits, but it doesn't reduce the workload of the nurse. The nurse is responsible for setting up and monitoring the PCA pump, educating the patient, assessing their pain, and ensuring safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
PCA does not completely eliminate pain. It provides the patient with control over their pain relief by allowing them to self-administer medication within preset limits. However, it does not guarantee the complete absence of pain. Pain relief is provided within a safe dosage range, but some level of pain may still be experienced. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
PCA does not eliminate the risk of adverse drug effects entirely. The nurse must monitor the patient for signs of adverse effects, such as respiratory depression or sedation. While the patient has control over medication administration, there are still risks associated with opioid analgesics. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
The principal advantage of using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that it reduces patient anxiety about pain by giving the patient more control over its management. This choice is correct because PCA empowers the patient to self-administer pain medication when needed, which can lead to better pain control and reduced anxiety. The nurse sets safe dosage limits and monitors the patient, ensuring safety while providing a sense of control.

Choice A rationale:

Post-herpetic neuralgia. Post-herpetic neuralgia is a neuropathic pain that occurs as a complication of shingles (herpes zoster) and is characterized by severe, burning, or shooting pain in the affected area. It is not an example of nociceptive pain.

Choice B rationale:

Diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is another example of neuropathic pain and is caused by damage to the nerves due to diabetes. It typically presents as aching, burning, or tingling sensations and is not considered nociceptive pain.

Choice C rationale:

Phantom limb pain. Phantom limb pain is also a neuropathic pain that occurs after the amputation of a limb. Patients perceive pain or discomfort in the missing limb. It is not classified as nociceptive pain.

Choice D rationale:

Strained muscle. Strained muscle pain is a classic example of nociceptive pain. Nociceptive pain arises from the activation of pain receptors (nociceptors) due to tissue damage or inflammation. In the case of a strained muscle, the pain results from physical injury or overuse of the muscle, making it a nociceptive pain. Nociceptive pain can be further categorized into somatic and visceral pain. Somatic pain, as in the case of a strained muscle, arises from musculoskeletal structures, and it is typically well-localized, sharp, and aching. Understanding the nature of pain is essential for effective pain management and treatment selection. .