A sleeping patient has periodic pauses in breathing, then starts to breathe again.
The nurse recognizes this sleep pattern is consistent with:.

The patient with a recent abdominal incision has an abdominal binder applied. The nurse explains that this appliance helps reduce pain by: The correct answer is choice A: supporting surface and internal tissues.

Choice A rationale:
An abdominal binder is primarily used to support surface and internal tissues. It provides gentle compression and support to the abdominal area, which can reduce pain and discomfort. By holding the incision site together and supporting the surrounding tissues, it can minimize movement and strain on the incision, helping to alleviate pain.
Choice B rationale:
While an abdominal binder may indirectly contribute to back support by stabilizing the abdominal area, its primary purpose is to support the surgical site. Enhancing early ambulation is more related to patient mobility and not the primary purpose of the binder.
Choice C rationale:
Abdominal binders do not increase warmth to the incision site. In fact, excessive warmth can lead to sweating and moisture, potentially increasing the risk of infection. The primary purpose is to provide support.
Choice D rationale:
An abdominal binder does not keep sutures and staples in place. The sutures and staples are used to secure the incision, and the binder is placed over them to provide support and compression. However, the binder itself is not responsible for keeping sutures and staples in place. .

Choice A rationale:

An elevated blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of a decrease in pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, and it may not directly correlate with the relief of pain.

Choice B rationale:

The client being asleep is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. While opioids may cause drowsiness as a side effect, the absence of pain cannot be confirmed solely based on the patient's sleep state.

Choice C rationale:

An increased respiratory rate can be a reliable indicator of decreased pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Opioids often cause respiratory depression, so an increased respiratory rate may suggest that the patient's pain is adequately managed, as they are not experiencing excessive respiratory depression.

Choice D rationale:

Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. Diaphoresis can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, and may not specifically reflect pain relief. .