A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who is awake, alert, and oriented. Which of the following methods should the nurse use as part of her pain management interventions to determine the intensity of the client's pain?

Choice A rationale:

Placing the client in airborne isolation is a priority because measles is highly contagious and spread through airborne droplets. Airborne precautions are necessary to prevent the transmission of pathogens that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Measles is known for its high infectivity, and isolating the client in a negative pressure room equipped with HEPA filtration can help prevent the spread of the virus to other patients and healthcare workers.

Choice B rationale:

While advising family members not to bring flowers into the room is a reasonable infection control measure, it is not the priority action in this scenario. The immediate concern is to prevent the spread of the highly contagious measles virus through airborne transmission.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining a sputum sample for culture is not the priority action in this situation. Measles is a viral infection, and sputum cultures are typically used to identify bacterial infections. Additionally, the primary mode of transmission for measles is through airborne droplets, so preventing its spread takes precedence over obtaining a sputum sample.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client on contact precaution is not the correct choice for managing measles. Measles is primarily transmitted through the airborne route, so airborne precautions, not contact precautions, are necessary to prevent its transmission.

Choice A rationale:

Visual observation for nonverbal signs of pain can be useful, especially in patients who are unable to communicate verbally. However, this method is not as accurate or reliable as obtaining the client's self-report of pain severity, which directly allows the patient to express their experience.

Choice B rationale:

Vital sign measurement, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, can provide indirect information about a patient's pain level. However, vital signs can be influenced by various factors, including anxiety or other physiological responses. They may not always accurately reflect the intensity of pain and are not as specific as the client's self-report.

Choice C rationale:

The client's self-report of pain severity is the most reliable and accurate method for determining the intensity of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the client's self-report is crucial for effective pain management. Pain scales, such as numeric rating scales or visual analog scales, allow clients to describe their pain intensity in a standardized way.

Choice D rationale:

The nature and invasiveness of the surgical procedure are relevant factors to consider in understanding a patient's potential pain experience. However, this information alone is not sufficient for determining the current intensity of the client's pain. Pain levels can vary among individuals undergoing the same procedure due to differences in pain tolerance and perception.