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:
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a method of pain management that allows the patient to administer their own pain medication within specified limits, but it doesn't reduce the workload of the nurse. The nurse is responsible for setting up and monitoring the PCA pump, educating the patient, assessing their pain, and ensuring safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
PCA does not completely eliminate pain. It provides the patient with control over their pain relief by allowing them to self-administer medication within preset limits. However, it does not guarantee the complete absence of pain. Pain relief is provided within a safe dosage range, but some level of pain may still be experienced. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
PCA does not eliminate the risk of adverse drug effects entirely. The nurse must monitor the patient for signs of adverse effects, such as respiratory depression or sedation. While the patient has control over medication administration, there are still risks associated with opioid analgesics. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
The principal advantage of using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that it reduces patient anxiety about pain by giving the patient more control over its management. This choice is correct because PCA empowers the patient to self-administer pain medication when needed, which can lead to better pain control and reduced anxiety. The nurse sets safe dosage limits and monitors the patient, ensuring safety while providing a sense of control.

Choice A rationale:

Asking the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0-10 is a good initial response to assess the severity of pain. However, it should be followed by a more comprehensive assessment, which may include addressing the patient's concern about pain in the removed limb and providing appropriate interventions.

Choice B rationale:

Telling the patient that it is not possible to experience pain because the limb and nerves were removed is inaccurate and insensitive. This response does not address the patient's reported pain and may be perceived as dismissive.

Choice C rationale:

Telling the patient that they are not experiencing pain is both inaccurate and dismissive of the patient's reported pain. This response does not demonstrate empathy or a patient-centered approach to care.

Choice D rationale:

"I understand you are in pain, please rate your pain on a scale of 0-10, and I will get a mirror to assess the area" is the best response. This response acknowledges the patient's pain, uses a pain assessment scale to quantify the pain, and offers a solution to assess the area with a mirror. It demonstrates empathy and a proactive approach to addressing the patient's concern. .