A nurse is reinforcing teaching about pain control with a client who has acute pain following a subtotal gastric resection.
Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of pain control?

Choice A rationale:

Oxymorphone is not an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). It is an opioid analgesic, which is used for more severe pain relief. It is not suitable for managing swelling and pain caused by an injury.

Choice B rationale:

Ibuprofen is an NSAID and is an appropriate choice for managing pain and swelling associated with injuries like the patient's knee injury. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort in such cases.

Choice C rationale:

Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. It is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic, and while it can help with pain relief, it may not be as effective in reducing inflammation, which is essential in cases of swelling due to an injury.

Choice D rationale:

Aspirin is an NSAID, but it is not the best choice for this patient. Aspirin is known to have a higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects, and there are other NSAIDs like ibuprofen that are generally preferred for pain management and inflammation without the same level of side effects.

The correct answer is D. "I will call for pain medication before the previous dose wears off."

Choice A rationale:

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of pain management. Avoiding medication to prevent addiction can lead to uncontrolled pain, which can hinder recovery and increase the risk of complications.

Choice B rationale:

While this statement shows the client is aware of their pain, waiting until it becomes intolerable can result in periods of severe discomfort and potential setbacks in recovery.

Choice C rationale:

Relying on a nurse to evaluate pain before requesting medication can delay pain relief, leading to unnecessary suffering and potential complications.

Choice D rationale:

This statement indicates an understanding of proactive pain management. By requesting medication before the previous dose wears off, the client helps maintain consistent pain control, which is crucial for recovery and preventing pain escalation.