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

The correct answer is D. "I will call for pain medication before the previous dose wears off."

Choice A rationale:

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of pain management. Avoiding medication to prevent addiction can lead to uncontrolled pain, which can hinder recovery and increase the risk of complications.

Choice B rationale:

While this statement shows the client is aware of their pain, waiting until it becomes intolerable can result in periods of severe discomfort and potential setbacks in recovery.

Choice C rationale:

Relying on a nurse to evaluate pain before requesting medication can delay pain relief, leading to unnecessary suffering and potential complications.

Choice D rationale:

This statement indicates an understanding of proactive pain management. By requesting medication before the previous dose wears off, the client helps maintain consistent pain control, which is crucial for recovery and preventing pain escalation.

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. .