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:

Love and belonging. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs outlines a pyramid of human needs, starting from basic physiological needs at the bottom and progressing to higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs. Love and belonging are higher-level needs, and individuals typically address them after their basic physiological needs are met. Basic needs like food, water, and shelter take precedence over higher-level emotional needs. In this case, the client's most immediate need would be to satisfy their hunger and thirst.

Choice B rationale:

Psychological security. Psychological security is another higher-level need related to safety and a sense of protection. While it is important, it is not the most immediate need according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The client would prioritize fulfilling their basic physiological needs before seeking psychological security.

Choice C rationale:

Self-actualization. Self-actualization is the highest level of need in Maslow's Hierarchy, encompassing personal growth, fulfillment, and achieving one's potential. It is a need that individuals pursue once their lower-level needs are satisfied. Since the question pertains to the first need the client would seek to meet, self-actualization is not the correct answer.

Choice D rationale:

Food and water. Food and water are fundamental physiological needs that form the base of Maslow's Hierarchy. These needs must be met before an individual can move on to addressing higher-level needs. Without addressing the need for sustenance, the client's ability to seek love, belonging, security, or self-actualization would be compromised.

Choice A rationale:

A macular rash on the chest and back is not indicative of a paradoxical drug reaction to lorazepam, a benzodiazepine. Paradoxical reactions involve unexpected and opposite responses to a medication, such as increased agitation and excitement instead of the intended calming effect. A rash is not consistent with this type of reaction.

Choice B rationale:

Increased appetite is not associated with a paradoxical drug reaction to lorazepam. Paradoxical reactions involve behavioral and physiological responses that are contrary to the expected effects of the medication. Increased appetite does not fit this pattern.

Choice C rationale:

Drowsiness and mild sedation are the intended effects of lorazepam, a benzodiazepine. Paradoxical reactions are characterized by unexpected and opposite responses. Drowsiness and mild sedation align with the expected pharmacological actions of benzodiazepines, making this choice incorrect for a paradoxical reaction.

Choice D rationale:

Increased agitation and insomnia are indicative of a paradoxical drug reaction to lorazepam. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam are central nervous system depressants and are commonly used to treat anxiety and promote sedation. However, in some cases, paradoxical reactions can occur, leading to increased agitation, excitement, and even insomnia. These reactions are thought to be more common in children and older adults. This choice is correct because it aligns with the characteristics of a paradoxical reaction.