A nurse evaluating the effectiveness of an Aquathermia K pad for the leg is aware that the patient who has the least risk for burn injury from this device would be the patient with:.

The correct answer is B. Responsibility.

Choice A rationale:

“Fairness.” Fairness involves treating all clients equally and without bias. While fairness is an important aspect of professionalism, it is not specifically demonstrated by evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication.

Choice B rationale:

“Responsibility.” Responsibility refers to the nurse’s duty to provide safe and effective care. By checking the client to evaluate the effectiveness of pain medication, the nurse is fulfilling their responsibility to monitor the client’s response to treatment and ensure their comfort and well-being.

Choice C rationale:

“Confidence.” Confidence involves the nurse’s self-assurance in their skills and knowledge. While confidence is important in nursing practice, it is not the primary component demonstrated in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

“Advocacy.” Advocacy involves supporting and speaking up for the client’s needs and preferences. Although advocacy is a crucial part of nursing, the act of evaluating pain medication effectiveness is more directly related to the nurse’s responsibility to provide appropriate care.

By demonstrating responsibility, the nurse ensures that the client’s pain management is effective and that any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan are made.

Choice A rationale:
Using a pain scale from 0 to 10 is a crucial principle in managing a client's postoperative pain. It allows for a standardized assessment of pain severity and helps healthcare providers determine the effectiveness of pain management interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Considering the client's individual expression of pain is essential in providing personalized care. People experience and express pain differently, so tailoring the approach to each client's unique needs is vital for effective pain management.
Choice C rationale:
Expecting the client to express pain both verbally and nonverbally is another important principle in pain management. Some clients may not be able to communicate verbally, so nurses should be attentive to nonverbal cues such as grimacing, restlessness, or changes in vital signs to assess pain.
Choice D rationale:
Administering opioids with caution is a general principle in pain management, but the statement that they will eventually lead to addiction is an oversimplification. While there is a risk of opioid addiction, it is not an absolute certainty, and the benefits of pain relief often outweigh the risks. Therefore, this statement is not entirely accurate.
Choice E rationale:
Administering analgesics for fast-acting pain relief is a valid principle, especially in the postoperative period when the client may be experiencing acute pain. Fast-acting analgesics help alleviate immediate discomfort.