For the past six hours, a postoperative male client has refused pain medication because he believed that he could "tough it out." When an opioid analgesic is administered, the client has difficulty obtaining a satisfactory level of comfort. Which action is best for the practical nurse (PN) to use in assisting this client to deal with his pain?
Dim the lights in the room and close the door.
Guide the client through slow, rhythmic breathing.
Turn the television on to the client's favorite show.
Obtain a prescription for a higher dose of pain medication.
The Correct Answer is B
This is the best action for the PN to use in assisting this client to deal with his pain because it provides a non-pharmacological method of pain relief that can enhance the effect of the opioid analgesic. Slow, rhythmic breathing can help the client relax, distract from the pain, and increase oxygenation and blood flow.
A. Dimming the lights in the room and closing the door may not be enough to help the client deal with his pain and may not address his psychological or emotional needs.
C. Turning the television on to the client's favorite show may not be effective in helping the client deal with his pain and may be distracting or irritating for him.
D. Obtaining a prescription for a higher dose of pain medication may not be necessary or appropriate for this client and may increase the risk of side effects or dependence. The PN should assess the client's pain level and response to the current dose before requesting a change in medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Attach the drainage bag to the bed frame.
Choice A rationale:
Measuring the urinary output in the bag is a routine task but does not address the improper placement of the drainage bag. The immediate concern is to ensure the drainage bag is correctly positioned to prevent complications.
Choice B rationale:
Attaching the drainage bag to the bed frame is the correct action. The drainage bag should be kept below the level of the bladder and attached to a non-movable part of the bed to prevent backflow and reduce the risk of infection.
Choice C rationale:
Applying gloves and emptying the drainage bag is not the immediate priority. The drainage bag should not be allowed to overfill, but in this scenario, it is only half-full, so this action is not urgent.
Choice D rationale:
Removing the looped tubing from the bed is important to ensure proper drainage and prevent backflow, but it does not address the incorrect placement of the drainage bag, which is the primary concern in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is
Choice D rationale:
The practical nurse (PN) should review the client's risk factors for exercise intolerance that impact his quality of life. By doing so, the PN can assess the client's overall health and identify any potential issues that might contribute to his fatigue. This response shows the PN's concern for the client's well-being and is focused on exploring the root cause of his tiredness.
Choice A rationale:
Determining if the client can move to a residential home without lawn maintenance is not appropriate in response to his complaint about feeling tired. This option does not address the underlying issue and assumes the client is unable to care for his own lawn, which may not be the case.
Choice B rationale:
Recommending that the client retires from doing outdoor chores is also not appropriate. It assumes the client's fatigue is solely due to his age and disregards the possibility of other contributing factors that might be addressed.
Choice C rationale:
Advising the client that fatigue is a common characteristic of aging is not a comprehensive response. While fatigue can be related to aging, it is crucial to explore the specific reasons for the client's tiredness before assuming it is solely age-related.
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