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?

Visual observation for nonverbal signs of pain.

Vital sign measurement.

The client's self-report of pain severity.

The nature and invasiveness of the surgical procedure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The nurse is demonstrating the phase of nursing care known as "Implementation." During this phase, the nurse carries out the interventions and actions that were planned in the previous stages of the nursing process. In this scenario, applying warm compresses to the client's joint is a planned intervention that is being executed by the nurse.

Choice B rationale:

Planning is not the correct choice for this scenario. Planning is the phase of nursing care where the nurse sets goals, outcomes, and develops a plan of action based on the assessment data. It occurs before the implementation phase.

Choice C rationale:

Evaluation is not the correct choice for this scenario. Evaluation is the phase where the nurse assesses the outcomes of the interventions and determines whether the goals have been met. It comes after the implementation phase.

Choice D rationale:

Assessment is not the correct choice for this scenario. Assessment is the initial phase of the nursing process where the nurse collects data about the client's health status. It precedes the planning, implementation, and evaluation phases.

A. Sanguineous. B. Serous. C. Purulent. D. Serosanguineous.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Sanguineous. Sanguineous drainage is typically bright red and consists of fresh blood. It indicates active bleeding from the wound. In this case, the drainage described is not bright red but rather light red-pink, suggesting that it is not purely sanguineous.

Choice B rationale:

Serous. Serous drainage is thin, watery, and typically clear or slightly yellowish in color. It is a normal part of the wound healing process and is not indicative of active bleeding. However, the drainage described in the question is light red-pink, which is not consistent with serous drainage.

Choice C rationale:

Purulent. Purulent drainage is thick, often opaque, and can range in color from yellow to green. It indicates the presence of infection in the wound. The description of watery light red-pink drainage does not align with the characteristics of purulent drainage.

Choice D rationale:

Serosanguineous. Serosanguineous drainage is a combination of serous and sanguineous fluids. It appears as a thin, watery drainage that is pink-tinged due to the presence of a small amount of blood. This description matches the observed drainage in the question. Serosanguineous drainage is common during the initial stages of wound healing and is considered a normal part of the process.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A Medical-Surgical nurse is caring for a client suffering from osteoarthritis. The nurse applies warm compresses to the client's joint. Which of the following phases of nursing care is the nurse demonstrating?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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