The nurse is caring for two clients who both are in pain due to sickle cell anemia. One of the clients rates the pain as a 7 out of 10 (0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain possible). This client is moving around easily and is eating well, but has asked for pain medication. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Notify the healthcare provider that this client is faking the pain.
Administer the pain medication if it has been longer than the ordered interval.
Wait 30 minutes and see if the client is still requesting pain medicine.
Administer half the ordered dose of pain medication.
The Correct Answer is B
Pain is a subjective experience, and the client's report of pain should be respected and addressed promptly. If the pain medication is ordered and it has been longer than the ordered interval, the nurse should administer the medication as prescribed. In general, withholding pain medication for a client in pain is not an appropriate action.
Administering half the ordered dose of pain medication without a healthcare provider's order is also not appropriate. The nurse should follow the healthcare provider's orders for pain medication administration and titration.
It's also not appropriate to assume that the client is faking pain without adequate assessment and evidence to support such a claim. The nurse should perform a thorough pain assessment, including the location, intensity, and quality of the pain, and consider non-pharmacological interventions to help manage the pain.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) system is a standardized way of communicating critical information between healthcare professionals, particularly during patient handoffs or when escalating a concern.
The recommendation component is where the healthcare professional providing the report suggests a course of action or plan for the patient based on the situation, background, and assessment. For example, a recommendation might be, "I recommend increasing Mr. Smith's pain medication to manage his discomfort," or "I recommend a consult with the nutritionist to address Mrs. Brown's malnutrition."
Of the options provided, (a) provides the situation, (c) provides the assessment, and (d) provides a specific finding from the assessment. Option (b) is a specific recommendation or plan.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Pain threshold refers to the point at which a person first feels pain or discomfort. It can vary depending on factors such as genetics, age, gender, and overall health.
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