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?

The correct answer is choiceB. Remove the warm compress.

Choice A rationale:

Turning the lights on in the room would likely exacerbate the resident’s photophobia (sensitivity to light), causing more discomfort.Photophobia is a common symptom of bacterial conjunctivitis, and keeping the room dim can help alleviate this discomfort.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the warm compress is the correct action. Warm compresses can sometimes be used to relieve symptoms of conjunctivitis, but they are generally more appropriate for viral or allergic conjunctivitis.In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, warm compresses can potentially worsen the infection by providing a warm, moist environment that promotes bacterial growth.Instead, a cool compress is often recommended to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Choice C rationale:

Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce swelling and promote drainage, but it is not directly related to the immediate relief of eye pain and photophobia in bacterial conjunctivitis.This action might be more relevant for conditions involving fluid retention or respiratory issues.

Choice D rationale:

Offering an oral analgesic could help manage the resident’s pain, but it does not address the underlying issue of the warm compress potentially worsening the bacterial infection.Pain management is important, but it should be combined with appropriate measures to treat the infection and alleviate symptoms.

The correct answer is choice B. Notify the charge nurse of the client's concerns about surgery. Choice A rationale:

Reminding the client that the consent has already been obtained does not address the client's current fears and uncertainty about undergoing the surgery. It may come across as dismissive and unsupportive of the client's emotional needs.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer because notifying the charge nurse of the client's concerns about surgery allows the nursing team to provide the necessary support and address the client's emotional needs appropriately. The charge nurse can assess the client's anxiety level, discuss the procedure, and involve the healthcare provider if needed to ensure the client is well-

informed and comfortable with their decision. Choice C rationale:

Documenting the client's expressed concerns about the surgery is essential for accurate documentation but does not provide the immediate support and intervention the client may require.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to continue with the scheduled surgery without addressing their fears and uncertainty may not be appropriate. The client's emotional well-being should be a priority, and they should feel supported in their decision-making process.