A nurse is conducting a pain assessment for a client who reports discomfort. Which of the following actions is the most appropriate for the nurse to take to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the client's pain?

Observe the patient's facial expressions and body language for signs of discomfort.

Measure the patient's vital signs and note any changes.

Review the patient's medical history for past pain management interventions and their outcomes.

Ask the patient to describe the pain using a pain scale and provide details about its location, duration, and intensity.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Observe the patient's facial expressions and body language for signs of discomfort: While observation is important, it doesn't provide a complete picture of the client's pain experience and may not capture all aspects, such as intensity or location.

B. Measure the patient's vital signs and note any changes: Vital signs are important but can be nonspecific indicators of pain and are not as reliable for assessing pain intensity or quality.

C. Review the patient's medical history for past pain management interventions and their outcomes: While this is useful, it does not directly address the client's current pain experience.

D. Ask the patient to describe the pain using a pain scale and provide details about its location, duration, and intensity. A comprehensive pain assessment requires the client's self-report to fully understand the pain's characteristics. A pain scale (e.g., 0-10) helps quantify the intensity, and asking about its location, duration, and type allows for a thorough understanding of the pain's impact.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Determine the location of the pain. The nurse should first assess the client's pain, including its location, intensity, quality, and factors that alleviate or exacerbate it. This assessment is critical to determining the most appropriate intervention and evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment.

B. Reposition the client: Repositioning is a valid nursing intervention for managing pain caused by discomfort or poor positioning. However, it should not be the first action, as the nurse must first assess the pain to determine if repositioning alone is sufficient or if medication is necessary.

C. Review the effects of the pain medication: While reviewing the effects of the prescribed medication is important to ensure its appropriateness and safety, this step is part of preparation for medication administration. It is not the first action; assessment of the client's pain takes priority.

D. Administer the medication: Administering pain medication without assessing the client's pain is not appropriate. Pain management should be individualized, and assessment ensures that the prescribed medication is suitable for the client's current pain and condition.

A. "I will only take my medications when I remember, as long as I don't have any symptoms." B. "I will avoid discussing my symptoms with my healthcare provider unless they become severe." C. "I will follow the treatment plan exactly as prescribed, even if I start to feel better before the treatment is complete." D. "I will seek immediate medical attention for any new or worsening symptoms, even if they seem minor."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "I will only take my medications when I remember, as long as I don't have any symptoms.": Inconsistent medication adherence, especially for chronic conditions, can lead to poor control and complications.

B. "I will avoid discussing my symptoms with my healthcare provider unless they become severe.": Early reporting of symptoms is critical for timely intervention and adjustment of the treatment plan.

C. "I will follow the treatment plan exactly as prescribed, even if I start to feel better before the treatment is complete." Adherence to the prescribed treatment plan ensures effective management of chronic conditions and prevents complications or relapse. Stopping treatment prematurely, even when symptoms improve, can lead to worsening conditions or incomplete recovery.

D. "I will seek immediate medical attention for any new or worsening symptoms, even if they seem minor.": While seeking attention for worsening symptoms is important, interpreting all minor changes as emergencies may lead to unnecessary healthcare utilization.

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A nurse is conducting a pain assessment for a client who reports discomfort. Which of the following actions is the most appropriate for the nurse to take to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the client's pain?

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