When assessing a client's pain, the nurse determines the location and intensity of the pain. To gather data about the quality of the pain, which action should the nurse take?

Ask the client to describe the pain experienced.

Provide the client with a visual analog scale.

Instruct the client in use of a numeric pain scale.

Gently palpate the area and observe the response.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Asking the client to describe the pain is the most direct way to gather information about the quality of the pain. This approach allows the client to express characteristics such as whether the pain is sharp, dull, burning, aching, throbbing, or stabbing.
B.   A visual analog scale (VAS) is useful for assessing the intensity of pain, not the quality. The VAS typically involves a line with endpoints representing no pain and worst possible pain, where the client marks their pain level.
C.   The numeric pain scale is designed to measure the intensity of pain on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst pain imaginable. Like the VAS, this scale assesses pain intensity rather than quality.
D.   Palpation and observing the client's response can help assess the location and intensity of pain, particularly if there are physical findings associated with the pain. However, this method does not provide information about the pain’s quality, such as its character or nature.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Increasing dietary fiber and adding prune juice can help relieve constipation by improving bowel regularity. While this is an important step in managing constipation, it is not the first action to take without understanding the underlying cause or current status of bowel function.
B. Physical activity is important for bowel regularity, especially post-surgery. However, assessing physical activity should come after a more immediate evaluation of the client's bowel status. It is crucial to first determine if there are other underlying issues that need addressing before implementing dietary changes or increasing activity.
C. A digital examination can be necessary to identify fecal impaction, especially if other assessments suggest severe constipation or if the client has not had a bowel movement for several days. However, this is an invasive procedure and should be performed based on preliminary findings from non-invasive assessments.
D. Checking bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness is an essential first step in assessing the client's gastrointestinal status. It helps identify whether there is a lack of bowel movement due to a more severe issue such as bowel obstruction or if it is simply a case of constipation.

A. Avoid friction when sliding up in bed. B. Offer supplemental nutritional snacks. C. Change bed pads to keep skin clean and dry. D. Change position frequently from right to left.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While avoiding friction can help to prevent skin breakdown, it's not the most important intervention for this client. Frequent position changes are more effective in reducing pressure on the skin and preventing ulcers.
B. Nutrition is important for overall health, but it's not the most immediate concern in this case. Preventing pressure ulcers is the priority.
C. While keeping the skin clean and dry is important, it's not the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers. Frequent position changes are more important for reducing pressure on the skin.
D. The most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers in immobile clients is to change their position frequently. This helps to relieve pressure on bony areas and promote circulation to the skin. By changing the client's position regularly, the nurse can help to reduce the risk of skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers.

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When assessing a client's pain, the nurse determines the location and intensity of the pain. To gather data about the quality of the pain, which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is completing an assessment of an older adult client recovering from a total hip replacement. The client reports a decreased appetite and is concerned about having not had a bowel movement for several days. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

While turning a client who recently suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the nurse assesses for pressure areas and skin breakdown. The skin over the sacral area is intact with non- blanchable redness. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement for this immobile client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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