A client with chronic pain reports a pain level of 8 on a 10-point scale despite receiving oral analgesics. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Increase the dose of the current analgesic medication
Reassess pain after one hour without making changes to the current plan.
Consult the healthcare provider to consider alternative or adjunctive pain management therapies
Advise the client to try nonpharmacological interventions such as meditation.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Increase the dose of the current analgesic medication: Adjusting the dose independently can be unsafe and may exceed prescribed limits, risking adverse effects such as respiratory depression or toxicity. Dose changes require provider authorization.
B. Reassess pain after one hour without making changes to the current plan: While reassessment is important, delaying intervention when the client reports severe pain (8/10) may prolong suffering and indicates the current plan is ineffective. Immediate evaluation of alternative strategies is needed.
C. Consult the healthcare provider to consider alternative or adjunctive pain management therapies: Severe pain despite current analgesics signals inadequate pain control. Collaborating with the provider ensures safe adjustments, including medication changes, route modifications, or addition of adjunctive therapies. This prioritizes effective relief and patient safety.
D. Advise the client to try nonpharmacological interventions such as meditation: Nonpharmacological methods may provide supplementary relief but are unlikely to control severe pain alone. These strategies should complement, not replace, pharmacologic management for acute uncontrolled pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Wipe from front to back after using the restroom: This intervention reduces the transfer of fecal bacteria (commonly E. coli) from the perineal area to the urethra, directly targeting the mode of transmission in the chain of infection. Proper hygiene interrupts the pathway for bacterial entry into the urinary tract.
B. Increase fluid intake to flush out bacteria: Drinking adequate fluids helps dilute urine and promote urinary flow, which aids in clearing bacteria. While preventive, this action affects the host defense rather than the mode of transmission.
C. Take prescribed antibiotics as directed: Completing antibiotics prevents persistence or recurrence of infection by eliminating existing bacteria. This addresses the infectious agent rather than the transmission pathway.
D. Avoid using scented hygiene products: Scented soaps or feminine hygiene sprays can irritate the urethra and alter normal flora, but this primarily affects host susceptibility rather than the mode of transmission.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer IV fluids to stabilize heart rate: IV fluids may be indicated if hypovolemia is suspected, but giving fluids without assessing the underlying cause could be inappropriate and potentially harmful. Assessment must guide interventions.
B. Assess vital signs and check for underlying causes: A heart rate of 120 bpm with dizziness could indicate tachycardia due to dehydration, infection, arrhythmia, anemia, or other causes. Assessing vital signs, oxygen saturation, and possible contributing factors is the priority to guide safe and targeted interventions.
C. Encourage the patient to lie and rest: While resting may temporarily relieve symptoms, it does not address the underlying cause. Immediate rest alone does not ensure patient safety if the tachycardia is due to a serious condition.
D. Notify the provider immediately: Provider notification may be necessary after assessment, but the nurse must first gather critical information to report, including vital signs, symptoms, and potential causes, to ensure effective communication and safe care.
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