A nurse is caring for a patient with moderate vision impairment.
What actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
A wrist fracture is a physical stressor, not a psychological one. It involves damage to the body’s structures.
Choice B rationale
A burn injury, like a wrist fracture, is a physical stressor. It involves physical harm to the body.
Choice C rationale
Financial difficulties are a type of psychological stressor. They involve challenges and worries related to money, which can cause mental and emotional stress.
Choice D rationale
Hypothermia is a physical stressor. It involves a dangerously low body temperature and is a medical emergency.

Choice A rationale
Holding the pain medication until the patient wakes up is not the best choice. Pain can disrupt sleep, and it’s important to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. If the patient is sleeping, it may be because the pain is well-controlled, and delaying the medication could lead to a return of pain.
Choice B rationale
The patient should be given the scheduled pain medication. This is the best choice because it ensures that the patient’s pain is managed effectively. Even if the patient is sleeping, the medication should be given to prevent the pain from returning.
Choice C rationale
Calling the family and asking if the patient would like to be woken up to have their pain medication is not the best choice. The nurse should make this decision based on the patient’s pain level and the medication schedule, not on the family’s preferences.
Choice D rationale
The statement that the patient has become addicted to the medication and is sleeping the last dose off is not accurate. Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. In this case, the patient is receiving the medication for a legitimate medical reason, and there is no indication of addiction.