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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Use materials written in the client's spoken language. Providing information in the client's preferred language ensures understanding and facilitates informed decision-making.
B. Choose materials that include culturally relevant information and examples. Cultural relevance helps the client relate to and understand the information in a meaningful way.
C. Use materials written at a twelve-grade level: Educational materials should generally be written at a 5th to 6th-grade reading level to ensure accessibility for a broad audience.
D. Use pictures. Pictures can enhance comprehension by providing visual aids, especially for clients with limited language proficiency.
E. Provide a variety of educational materials. Offering materials in multiple formats (e.g., written, visual, or video) accommodates different learning preferences.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Vital sign measurement: While vital signs may change due to pain, they are not specific indicators of pain intensity and should not be the primary basis for pain management.
B. The nature and invasiveness of the surgical procedure: The type of procedure may influence pain, but it is still essential to rely on the client's self-report for pain management.
C. Visual observation for nonverbal signs of pain: While helpful in some cases, nonverbal signs are not as reliable as the client's own report of pain.
D. The client's self-report of pain severity. The most accurate method to assess pain is through the client's self-report. This allows the nurse to understand the severity and nature of the pain, which helps guide treatment.
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