A nurse manager is teaching a newly licensed nurse about pain management for an older adult client. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Administer Ibuprofen 200 mg PO: The child reports a pain score of 5/10 and is requesting pain medication. The provider has prescribed ibuprofen PRN for this level of pain. Prompt administration supports comfort and reduces inflammation associated with fracture and swelling.

B. Elevate the affected forearm with pillows: Elevation helps reduce edema by promoting venous return and lymphatic drainage. Given the child's worsening edema in the forearm and fingers, this is a priority to minimize complications like compartment syndrome.

C. Place a nonadherent dressing on the right knee abrasion: Although dressing the abrasion is a reasonable intervention, it is not a priority at this stage. The abrasion is not actively bleeding or infected, so attention should remain on managing neurovascular risk and pain.

D. Review cast care instructions with the child's parents: This is an important educational step, but it is not a current priority since the cast has not yet been applied. Priority actions should focus on pain, swelling, and circulation while awaiting casting.

E. Apply ice packs to the fingers and along the right forearm: Ice helps manage pain and inflammation by vasoconstriction, limiting fluid accumulation in tissues. Applying it early post-injury is crucial to controlling swelling in a fractured limb.

F. Explain the cast application procedure to the child: Preparing the child for a future procedure is helpful but not immediately necessary. At this point, pain control and reduction of swelling take precedence to prevent complications and stabilize the injury.

Rationale:

A. Place a warm pack on the incisional area: Applying a warm pack immediately postoperatively can increase blood flow and risk bleeding or swelling at the surgical site. Cold packs are generally preferred in the immediate postoperative period to reduce inflammation.

B. Restrict fluids to 1,200 mL per day: Fluid restriction is not indicated after hernia repair unless the client has a comorbid condition like heart or renal failure. Adequate hydration supports healing and normal bowel and urinary function.

C. Elevate the client's scrotum on a pillow: Elevating the scrotum helps reduce swelling and discomfort after hernia repair, especially if the inguinal area is involved. This intervention promotes venous return and prevents complications like hematoma formation.

D. Encourage the client to sit to void: Sitting to void is not routinely necessary after hernia repair unless the client has mobility issues. There’s no specific benefit to this position in a typical male postoperative client.