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
Ask the client to describe what happened.
Calling the agency-based client advocate (Choice A) should not be the first action taken in this situation. While involving an advocate might be necessary at some point, it is more appropriate to address the client's concerns and gather information about the incident first.
Completing a client adverse incident report (Choice C) is an important step to document theevent and any potential issues, but it should not be the first action taken. Before completing the report, the nurse needs to understand the situation from the client's perspective.
Informing the charge nurse of the situation (Choice D) is a reasonable step, but it should not be the first action. It may be necessary to escalate the issue, but understanding the situation from the client's viewpoint should be prioritized.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis, which is inflammation of the mouth and throat. While monitoring urinary output is important in many situations, it is not relevant in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure while standing is not directly related to stomatitis either. This assessment is more relevant for conditions such as orthostatic hypotension, which can cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing.
Choice C rationale:
Ability to swallow is crucial in the context of stomatitis. Stomatitis can cause painful sores in the mouth, making it difficult for the client to eat or drink. Assessing the client's ability to swallow will help determine the impact of stomatitis on their nutritional intake and overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. This assessment is more relevant for gastrointestinal issues or constipation, not for a condition affecting the mouth and throat.
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