A client’s child is experiencing moderate to severe pain.
The nurse explains that for the treatment of this level of pain in both adults and children, opioids are often the agent of choice because they work primarily in the central nervous system to reduce pain perception.
Which of the following statements should the nurse expect from the client?

Choice A rationale:

You're probably just exaggerating your pain.”..

This response is dismissive and lacks empathy.

It can make the client feel unheard and lead to a breakdown in the nurse-client relationship.

It's essential to acknowledge and validate the client's pain.

Choice B rationale:

Pain is a normal part of life.

Everyone experiences pain from time to time.”..

While this statement is true, it's not the most appropriate response in this context.

It doesn't address the client's distress and doesn't offer support or assistance in managing the pain.

Choice C rationale:

I understand that you're in pain.

I'm going to do everything I can to help you.”..

This response shows empathy and a commitment to assisting the client.

It acknowledges the client's pain and offers reassurance that the nurse is there to provide support and appropriate care.

It's the most appropriate choice.

Choice D rationale:

I don't know what to tell you.

I'm not a doctor.”..

This response is unhelpful and may make the client feel abandoned or unsupported.

Nurses should demonstrate empathy and provide appropriate care to clients.

Referring to not being a doctor doesn't address the client's pain and needs.

I have a dull, aching pain that worsens with movement.”..

Choice A rationale:

I have a sharp, throbbing pain at the site of my injury.”..

This choice does not align with the reported symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, and withdrawal from activities.

These symptoms are commonly associated with chronic pain, particularly the dull, aching type.

Choice B rationale:

I feel a burning or shooting pain with numbness and tingling.”..

This choice is more characteristic of neuropathic pain, which may involve burning or shooting sensations and numbness and tingling.

However, the reported symptoms are not typical of neuropathic pain but are more consistent with chronic pain.

Choice C rationale:

My pain is deep and crampy, and I'm feeling nauseous.”..

This description is closer to visceral pain, which can be deep and crampy and may cause nausea.

However, the reported symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, and withdrawal from activities are not strongly associated with visceral pain.

Choice D rationale:

I have a dull, aching pain that worsens with movement.”..

This is the correct answer.

The reported symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, and withdrawal from activities are commonly associated with chronic pain, particularly the dull, aching type.

Chronic pain can lead to a decrease in physical and emotional well-being, resulting in these manifestations.

The worsening of pain with movement is also indicative of chronic pain, as it often restricts a person's ability to engage in physical activities.