A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic pain. The nurse should identify which of the following findings is associated with chronic pain?

Choice A reason:

“Use a size 20 French catheter for catheterization.” This statement is incorrect. Using a larger catheter size, such as 20 French, can increase the risk of trauma and infection. It is generally recommended to use the smallest catheter size possible to minimize the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and other complications.

Choice B reason:

“Allow the drainage bag to fill completely before emptying.” This statement is incorrect. Allowing the drainage bag to fill completely can increase the risk of infection and cause backflow of urine into the bladder. It is recommended to empty the drainage bag when it is two-thirds full to prevent these issues.

Choice C reason:

“Disconnect the drainage tube if the catheter requires irrigation.” This statement is incorrect. Disconnecting the drainage tube can break the closed system and increase the risk of infection. If irrigation is necessary, it should be done using a closed system to maintain sterility and reduce the risk of CAUTIs.

Choice D reason:

“Keep the collection bag below bladder level.” This statement is correct. Keeping the collection bag below bladder level helps prevent backflow of urine into the bladder, which can reduce the risk of infection. This practice is a key component of preventing CAUTIs and is recommended in clinical guidelines.

Choice A reason:

A client who has new onset of dyspnea 24 hours after a total hip arthroplasty should be seen first. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can be a sign of a serious complication such as a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body. This condition requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent life-threatening consequences.

Choice B reason:

A client who has a urinary tract infection and low-grade fever is a concern, but it is not as urgent as the client with new onset dyspnea. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and can be managed with antibiotics and supportive care. While a low-grade fever indicates an infection, it does not pose an immediate threat to the client’s life. The nurse should still address this client’s needs, but it can be done after attending to the more urgent case.

Choice C reason:

A client who has acute abdominal pain of 4 on a scale from 0 to 10 should be assessed, but it is not as critical as the client with new onset dyspnea. Acute abdominal pain can have various causes, some of which may require urgent attention, but a pain level of 4 indicates moderate pain. The nurse should evaluate this client to determine the cause of the pain and provide appropriate interventions, but it can be done after addressing the more urgent case.

Choice D reason:

A client who has pneumonia and an oxygen saturation of 96% is stable at the moment. Oxygen saturation levels above 95% are generally considered acceptable in pneumonia patients. While pneumonia requires monitoring and treatment, the client’s current oxygen saturation level indicates that they are not in immediate respiratory distress. The nurse should continue to monitor this client and provide necessary care, but it can be done after attending to the more urgent case.