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A priority nursing intervention to assist a preoperative patient in coping with fear of postoperative pain would be to:

A.

Teach the patient to use guided imagery to help manage pain

B.

Describe the type of pain expected with the patient's particular surgery

C.

Explain the pain management plan, including the use of a pain rating scale

D.

Inform the patient that pain medication will be available

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Teaching the patient to use guided imagery can be an effective pain management strategy, but it might not be the most immediate and reassuring intervention for a patient experiencing fear about postoperative pain. This approach is more useful as an additional technique rather than the primary intervention.

Choice B reason: Describing the type of pain expected with the patient's particular surgery can provide some insight into what to anticipate, but it does not necessarily alleviate fear or provide concrete strategies for managing pain. It might even increase anxiety by focusing on the details of the pain itself.

Choice C reason: Explaining the pain management plan, including the use of a pain rating scale, is the most effective intervention. This approach directly addresses the patient's concerns by providing them with a clear understanding of how their pain will be managed and controlled postoperatively. Knowing that there is a structured plan in place, with specific methods to assess and manage pain, helps build confidence and reduces fear. The use of a pain rating scale also empowers the patient to communicate their pain levels effectively, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.

Choice D reason: Informing the patient that pain medication will be available is helpful, but it lacks the detail and comprehensive approach of explaining the entire pain management plan. Patients may still have concerns about how their pain will be assessed and addressed specifically.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Dementia is not a typical complication directly related to the post-operative period of a total hip replacement. While elderly patients may have underlying cognitive issues, dementia is not considered a direct post-op complication.

Choice B reason: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common post-operative complication, particularly in orthopedic surgeries like total hip replacement. Due to immobility and surgical stress, patients are at higher risk for blood clots forming in the veins, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs.

Choice C reason: Fluid overload can occur due to the administration of intravenous fluids during surgery. Monitoring for signs of fluid overload, such as swelling, shortness of breath, and increased blood pressure, is crucial to ensure proper fluid balance and prevent complications like heart failure.

Choice D reason: Infection is a significant risk after surgery, especially in procedures like total hip replacement. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as fever, increased pain, redness, swelling, and drainage from the surgical site, is essential to detect and treat infections early.

Choice E reason: Unrelieved pain is a critical aspect to monitor post-operatively. Effective pain management is crucial for patient comfort, mobility, and recovery. Uncontrolled pain can impede rehabilitation and recovery, increasing the risk of complications.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: A hemoglobin level of 12.0 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for men but is not the most critical concern preoperatively. It indicates mild anemia, which should be monitored but does not present an immediate high risk.

Choice B reason: A serum creatinine level of 1.3 mg/dL is slightly elevated and indicates mild renal impairment. While this should be considered, it is not as immediately concerning as a significantly abnormal coagulation value.

Choice C reason: A Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) level of 24 mg/dL is slightly above normal, indicating some renal function impairment or dehydration. However, it does not pose the most significant immediate risk compared to a high INR value.

Choice D reason: An INR of 3.5 is significantly elevated and indicates a high risk of bleeding. For a surgical patient, this is the most concerning pre-op lab value because it suggests that the patient's blood is not clotting properly. This increases the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery, making it a priority to address before proceeding with the operation.

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