The nurse identifies chronic pain as an appropriate nursing priority (or problem/diagnosis) for a client with fibromyalgia.
Which manifestation did the client most likely report that caused the nurse to select this priority?

Allowing time during the workday when each nurse can demonstrate proficiency is the best way to evaluate staff competency with the new equipment. This method ensures that the nurses can perform the skills correctly and safely under the charge nurse’s supervision and feedback.

Choice A is wrong because verbally questioning the staff about the new equipment does not assess their practical skills or ability to use the equipment correctly.

Choice B is wrong because requiring each nurse to take a written examination about the new equipment does not assess their hands-on skills or ability to troubleshoot problems with the equipment.

Choice D is wrong because asking each nurse to read the procedure and sign a form acknowledging competency does not verify that the nurses have understood the procedure or can apply it in practice.

It also relies on the nurses’ honesty and self-assessment, which may not be accurate or reliable.

This is because fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Fibromyalgia often co-exists with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and other types of headaches. One of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia is widespread pain that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist. The pain could also be felt in specific areas called tender points. These are places on the body where even light pressure causes pain. There are 18 possible tender points on the body. Having pain in at least 11 of these points is one way to help diagnose fibromyalgia.

Choice A is wrong because chronic ocular pain related to stress, fatigue, and certain triggers is not a typical symptom of fibromyalgia.

Ocular pain is more likely to be caused by other conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, or eye infections.

Choice B is wrong because pain and sensitivity in the upper extremities and neck are not enough to indicate fibromyalgia. The pain must be widespread and affect both sides of the body and above and below the waist. Choice C is wrong because dull joint pain that accompanies physical exertion and which is relieved with rest is not a characteristic of fibromyalgia. The pain associated with fibromyalgia is often described as a constant dull ache that does not improve with rest. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep problems.