The nurse is assessing a client who is having pain of the right upper abdominal area. To assess the quality of the client's abdominal pain, which approach should the nurse use?

Provide a numeric pain scale.

Observe body language and movement.

Ask the client to describe the pain.

Identify effective pain relief measures.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Provide a numeric pain scale:

While a numeric pain scale can help quantify the intensity of pain, it does not directly assess the quality or characteristics of the pain, which is important for identifying potential causes and selecting appropriate interventions.

B. Observe body language and movement:

Observing body language and movement can provide valuable information about the client's pain experience, but it primarily assesses the behavior associated with pain rather than the quality or characteristics of the pain itself.

C. Ask the client to describe the pain:

This approach allows the client to provide subjective information about the pain, including its quality, location, intensity, duration, and aggravating or alleviating factors. Asking the client to describe the pain helps the nurse gain insight into its characteristics, which can aid in identifying the underlying cause and determining appropriate interventions.

D. Identify effective pain relief measures:

Identifying effective pain relief measures is important for managing the client's pain, but it does not directly assess the quality or characteristics of the pain. Before implementing pain relief measures, it's essential to understand the nature of the pain through client self-report or other assessment methods.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Administer PRN oral pain medication:

Administering pain medication without further assessment may not be appropriate, as the client's pain needs must be fully evaluated before intervening with medication. Additionally, pain medication should be administered based on an accurate assessment rather than solely on nonverbal cues.

B. Review the pain medications prescribed:

While it's important to review the client's pain medications, particularly if the client is exhibiting signs of uncontrolled pain, this intervention should be secondary to further assessment of the client's current pain status.

C. Ask the client what is causing the grimacing:

Asking the client directly about the cause of their grimacing can help clarify their discomfort and provide insight into whether their pain response is being underreported. This approach helps bridge the gap between nonverbal cues and verbal reports.

D. Monitor the client's nonverbal behavior:

While monitoring nonverbal behavior is important, it does not directly address the discrepancy between the client’s grimacing and their verbal denial of pain. This action should be complemented by further assessment to understand the cause of the nonverbal signs.

E. Establish a regular time for going to bed and getting up: This intervention is not relevant to the current situation, as the client is experiencing discomfort while moving.

A. Positive external places. B. Emotional reflection. C. Motivational phrases. D. Tranquil sounds.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Positive external places:

Guided imagery typically involves directing the client to visualize calming and peaceful external environments, such as a beach, forest, or other positive, serene places. This technique helps divert the client's attention away from pain and promotes relaxation.

B. Emotional reflection:

Emotional reflection may be part of the guided imagery process, especially if it helps the client process and cope with their emotions related to chronic pain. However, the primary focus of guided imagery is typically on visualization techniques rather than emotional reflection alone.

C. Motivational phrases:

Motivational phrases can be helpful in some relaxation techniques, but in guided imagery for chronic pain management, the emphasis is usually on visualizing soothing images or scenarios rather than repeating motivational phrases.

D. Tranquil sounds:

Tranquil sounds may be part of a relaxation strategy, but guided imagery specifically involves visualizing calming scenes, not just focusing on sounds.

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The nurse is assessing a client who is having pain of the right upper abdominal area. To assess the quality of the client's abdominal pain, which approach should the nurse use?

Nursing Test Bank

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