What is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to include when performing pain assessment after giving an analgesic?

Ask about elements of the pain experience.

Question the client about precipitating factors.

Locate where in the body the pain occurs.

Apply a pain scale to describe intensity.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is choice D. Apply a pain scale to describe intensity.

Choice A rationale:

Asking about elements of the pain experience is important for a comprehensive pain assessment, but it is not the most critical aspect immediately after administering an analgesic. This step is more relevant during the initial assessment to understand the nature and characteristics of the pain.

Choice B rationale:

Questioning the client about precipitating factors can help identify what triggers the pain, which is useful for long-term pain management strategies. However, this is not the primary focus after giving an analgesic, as the immediate goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of the pain relief.

Choice C rationale:

Locating where in the body the pain occurs is essential for diagnosing and understanding the pain’s origin. However, after administering an analgesic, the priority is to assess the change in pain intensity rather than its location.

Choice D rationale:

Applying a pain scale to describe intensity is crucial after giving an analgesic because it provides a quantifiable measure of the pain relief achieved. This helps in determining the effectiveness of the medication and guides further pain management interventions.

By focusing on the pain intensity using a standardized pain scale, the practical nurse can objectively evaluate the patient’s response to the analgesic and make informed decisions about any additional pain management needs.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat GERD by reducing stomach acid production. If the client reports not experiencing heartburn after eating lunch, it indicates that the medication is effectively reducing stomach acid and alleviating GERD symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

The ability to swallow food without difficulty is not directly related to the desired effect of pantoprazole. It may be an important aspect of the client's overall condition, but it does not specifically indicate the efficacy of the medication in treating GERD.

Choice C rationale:

Having no difficulty straining for a bowel movement is unrelated to the desired effect of pantoprazole in treating GERD. Pantoprazole does not directly influence bowel movements.

Choice D rationale:

Having a great appetite and feeling hungry are not relevant indicators of the effectiveness of pantoprazole in treating GERD. These statements are more related to the client's appetite and overall well-being rather than the response to the medication.

A. Observe how UAP obtains temperatures. B. Return the thermometer for recalibration. C. Demonstrate how to use the equipment. D. Show UAP how to chart temperatures.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Observe how UAP obtains temperatures.

Choice A rationale:

The PN should first observe how the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) obtains temperatures using a tympanic thermometer. This step is essential to determine if there is an error in the technique or if the thermometer is malfunctioning. Correct technique and proper use of equipment are crucial to obtaining accurate and reliable temperature readings.

Choice B rationale:

While returning the thermometer for recalibration might be necessary if the thermometer is indeed faulty, it should not be the first action the PN takes. Observing the UAP's technique will help identify if the issue lies with the equipment or the individual's method.

Choice C rationale:

Demonstrating how to use the equipment might be helpful if the UAP is incorrectly using the thermometer. However, observing the UAP's technique first will help the PN identify if there is a need for retraining or recalibration.

Choice D rationale:

Showing the UAP how to chart temperatures is not the first priority when inconsistent readings are noted. Ensuring the accuracy of temperature measurements is essential for proper patient care and assessment.

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What is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to include when performing pain assessment after giving an analgesic?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After administering pantoprazole to a client with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), which statement by the client indicates to the practical nurse (PN) that the medication is producing the desired effect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) notices that one of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in the long term care facility consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer. Which action should the PN take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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