A nurse caring for a patient who suffered a severe sprain and has an order for a cold pack application to the injured area would prevent patient injury by:.

Choice A rationale:

An elevated blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of a decrease in pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, and it may not directly correlate with the relief of pain.

Choice B rationale:

The client being asleep is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. While opioids may cause drowsiness as a side effect, the absence of pain cannot be confirmed solely based on the patient's sleep state.

Choice C rationale:

An increased respiratory rate can be a reliable indicator of decreased pain following the administration of an opioid narcotic. Opioids often cause respiratory depression, so an increased respiratory rate may suggest that the patient's pain is adequately managed, as they are not experiencing excessive respiratory depression.

Choice D rationale:

Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a direct indicator of decreased pain following opioid administration. Diaphoresis can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, and may not specifically reflect pain relief. .

Choice A rationale:

Keeping bright lights on in the room is not conducive to relaxation. Bright lights can be stimulating and may increase stress, which is counterproductive when trying to manage pain through relaxation techniques.

Choice B rationale:

Using relaxation techniques as a way to wake up in the morning is not the intended purpose of these techniques. Relaxation techniques are typically used to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, especially when one is trying to rest or sleep.

Choice C rationale:

Tensing and relaxing individual muscle groups, starting with the toes and feet, is a common method for progressive muscle relaxation. This technique can help reduce muscle tension and promote overall relaxation. It is an effective approach to pain management.

Choice D rationale:

Trying to tense and relax all of the muscles of the body at the same time may be difficult for most individuals and is not a commonly recommended relaxation technique. It can be challenging to achieve the level of focus and control required for this method, and it may not be as effective as focusing on individual muscle groups.