A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a hearing aid. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when the client reports hearing a whistling sound from the hearing aid?

Choice A Reason:

Using the FACES pain scale to gauge the client's level of pain is appropriate. This scale relies on the client's ability to understand and communicate using a specific language, which might not be possible if there is a language barrier.

Choice B Reason:

Using a communication board to interact with the client is inappropriate. While communication boards can be helpful, they might not effectively gauge the client's level of pain, especially if the client's primary language isn't available on the board.

Choice C Reason:

Using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale to measure the client's pain level is appropriate. The FLACC scale is a pain assessment tool that evaluates pain in nonverbal patients or those who can't communicate effectively. It assesses facial expressions, leg movement, activity level, crying, and consolability to determine the level of pain the patient is experiencing.

Choice D Reason:

Asking an assistive personnel who speaks the same language as the client to interpret is inappropriate. Relying on an interpreter, even if they speak the same language as the client, might not be the best approach for pain assessment, as nuances related to pain expression and interpretation might be better captured through a standardized pain assessment tool like the FLACC scale.

Choice A Reason:

"I'll listen to my favorite music to take my mind off the pain." This statement refers to distraction techniques, like listening to music, which can help manage pain but isn't specifically guided imagery.

Choice B Reason:

"I'll think about my grandfather's farm to reduce pain." This statement indicates an understanding of this technique. Guided imagery involves creating a detailed mental image or scenario that promotes relaxation and diminishes pain perception. In this case, the client visualizing a familiar, pleasant place like their grandfather's farm can be an effective form of guided imagery to alleviate pain by diverting attention and inducing relaxation.

Choice C Reason:

"I'll use focused breathing to control my pain." This statement does not indicate an understanding of this technique.

Focused breathing, while beneficial for relaxation and pain management, is a different technique from guided imagery.

Choice D Reason:

"I'll learn to notice the sensation of muscle tension." This statement refers to progressive muscle relaxation, a technique involving systematically tensing and relaxing muscle groups, which isn't guided imagery.