The nurse is assessing a client's pain experience. Which nursing intervention is most effective in determining the severity of a client's pain?

Review the client's medical history and admission assessment.

Compare the client's current vital signs to the admission baseline.

Note how frequently doses of analgesics have been administered.

Ask the client to describe the intensity of the pain being experienced.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: While the client's medical history and admission assessment provide valuable information, they do not directly measure the current pain experience.

Choice B reason: Vital signs can indicate pain but are not a definitive measure of pain severity as they can be influenced by other factors.

Choice C reason: The frequency of analgesic administration may suggest the level of pain control but does not measure the current pain intensity experienced by the client.

Choice D reason: Asking the client to describe the intensity of the pain is the most direct and effective way to assess pain severity. Pain is subjective, and the client's self-report is considered the gold standard for pain assessment.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: An increased boundary of the wound suggests possible infection or inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation. A CRP test can help assess the severity of inflammation or infection. The normal range for CRP is generally below 10 mg/L.

Choice B reason: While serum potassium and sodium levels are important electrolytes to monitor, they are not directly related to wound assessment or infection. Normal ranges for potassium are 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L, and for sodium, 135 to 145 mEq/L.

Choice C reason: Neutrophils are white blood cells that respond to infection. While an elevated neutrophil count can indicate infection, it is not as specific as CRP for inflammation. The normal range for neutrophils is 2,500 to 6,000 cells/mcL.

Choice D reason: Platelets are involved in clotting and would not necessarily change due to wound infection or inflammation. The normal platelet count range is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mcL.

A. Confer with the physical therapist for correct crutch size. B. Ask the client to sit down while the crutch length is adjusted. C. Assess the client for signs of diminished circulation in the hands. D. Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choiced. Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches.

Choice A rationale:

Confer with the physical therapist for correct crutch size. This is unnecessary because the crutches are already correctly fitted.A space of three finger widths between the top of the crutch and the client’s axilla is appropriate to prevent pressure on the axilla and potential nerve damage.

Choice B rationale:

Ask the client to sit down while the crutch length is adjusted. This action is not needed since the crutches are already properly adjusted.Adjusting the crutch length further could lead to improper fitting, which might cause discomfort or injury.

Choice C rationale:

Assess the client for signs of diminished circulation in the hands. While assessing circulation is important, it is not directly related to the fitting of the crutches.Proper crutch fitting focuses on ensuring there is no pressure on the axilla and that the client can use the crutches comfortably.

Choice D rationale:

Proceed with teaching the client how to walk with the crutches. This is the correct action because the crutches are already properly fitted.The nurse should now focus on educating the client on the correct use of the crutches to ensure safe and effective mobility.

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The nurse is assessing a client's pain experience. Which nursing intervention is most effective in determining the severity of a client's pain?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notices the boundary of the wound has increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should evaluate which of the client's laboratory values?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with a sprained ankle is seen at the clinic and is given a pair of crutches. When the client stands with the aid of the crutches, the nurse notes a space of three finger widths between the top of the crutch and the client's axilla. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When conducting diet teaching for a client who is on a postoperative clear liquid diet, which foods should the nurse encourage the client to consume? Select all that apply.

A small, round raised area appears under the client's skin as the nurse administers an intradermal medication. Which action should the nurse take?

A patient with fluid volume overload is admitted to the hospital for diuresis. Which assessment should the nurse perform to evaluate the patient's fluid balance?

The nurse is teaching a spouse how to care for a client who recently had a stroke and has residual weakness on the right side. Which style of shoes should the nurse recommend the client wear when ambulating with the spouse's assistance?

The nurse is preparing an in-service on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations. Which example should the nurse use to demonstrate a HIPAA violation?

A client, who speaks very little English, is being seen in the emergency department following an automobile accident. The client's sibling offers to act as an interpreter and asks about the laboratory results. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

The nurse assesses an adult client with a partial rebreather mask and notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during respiration and the client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement?