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:
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a method of pain management that allows the patient to administer their own pain medication within specified limits, but it doesn't reduce the workload of the nurse. The nurse is responsible for setting up and monitoring the PCA pump, educating the patient, assessing their pain, and ensuring safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
PCA does not completely eliminate pain. It provides the patient with control over their pain relief by allowing them to self-administer medication within preset limits. However, it does not guarantee the complete absence of pain. Pain relief is provided within a safe dosage range, but some level of pain may still be experienced. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
PCA does not eliminate the risk of adverse drug effects entirely. The nurse must monitor the patient for signs of adverse effects, such as respiratory depression or sedation. While the patient has control over medication administration, there are still risks associated with opioid analgesics. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
The principal advantage of using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that it reduces patient anxiety about pain by giving the patient more control over its management. This choice is correct because PCA empowers the patient to self-administer pain medication when needed, which can lead to better pain control and reduced anxiety. The nurse sets safe dosage limits and monitors the patient, ensuring safety while providing a sense of control.

Choice A rationale:

Taking a warm bath before trying to go back to sleep is a relaxation technique that may help with sleep but does not address the underlying causes of insomnia. It is more of a short-term coping strategy rather than a method for locating the reasons for the insomnia.

Choice B rationale:

Reviewing times in her life when she had no insomnia is not a practical approach to addressing the current issue of insomnia. It does not help in identifying the specific factors or triggers contributing to the patient's current sleep problems.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping a diary related to sleep and problems encountered is a practical and effective approach to identify the factors contributing to the patient's insomnia. This diary can help track patterns, such as bedtime routines, diet, stressors, and other variables that may be linked to the sleep problem. Identifying these factors can aid in developing a plan to address the specific causes of the insomnia.

Choice D rationale:

Discussing the problem with her friends may provide emotional support but is unlikely to help identify the root causes of the insomnia. Friends may offer advice or share their experiences, but a structured approach like keeping a sleep diary is more likely to yield valuable information.