A patient experiencing pain states that guided imagery has made the pain more manageable in the past.
To assist this patient, the nurse should:.

Choice A rationale:

False. Pain should not be assessed only for patients who complain of pain. Pain assessment should be a routine part of patient care, as not all patients may be able to verbalize their pain or may underreport it. Identifying and addressing pain is crucial for patient well-being.

Choice B rationale:

False. Pain treatment does not necessarily end at discharge. The management of pain may continue beyond the hospital setting, and a plan for pain management post-discharge may be needed. This ensures that patients receive appropriate pain relief and support during their recovery.

Choice C rationale:

True. According to the Joint Commission's standards, all patients have the right to appropriate assessment of pain. This means that every patient, regardless of their condition or the presence of pain complaints, should have their pain assessed and managed as necessary.

Choice D rationale:

False. Pain treatment is not solely based on objective data collected by the nurse. Pain is a subjective experience, and it is essential to consider the patient's self-report of pain, in addition to any objective data, when determining the appropriate treatment. Objective data can help, but it should not be the sole basis for pain management.

The correct answer is choice B. "Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?"

Choice A rationale:

"Your husband should decide when more medication is needed.” This response is incorrect because it implies that the partner has the authority to decide when the client needs pain medication, which violates the purpose of a PCA pump. A PCA pump is specifically designed for client-controlled pain management, ensuring that the patient, not anyone else, controls when they receive pain medication. Allowing someone else to press the button can lead to overmedication and safety risks.

Choice B rationale:

"Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?" This response is correct because it prompts the partner to reflect on their actions and provides an opportunity for the nurse to educate about the proper use of PCA pumps. It addresses the immediate issue without being confrontational and opens the door for further discussion on the importance of client safety and correct PCA use.

Choice C rationale:

"It's a good idea to help make sure your husband can sleep comfortably.” This response is incorrect as it endorses inappropriate and unsafe behavior. It encourages the partner to continue pressing the PCA button, risking the client's safety due to potential overmedication, which can lead to severe complications, such as respiratory depression.

Choice D rationale:

"Next time you think he needs more medication, call me and I'll push the button.” This response is incorrect because it contradicts PCA protocols and removes the control from the client. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client’s pain and safety, not administering medication upon another person’s request. This approach also increases the risk of dosing errors and undermines the purpose of patient-controlled analgesia.