A nurse is caring for a client who has expressive aphasia following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Which of the following parameters should the nurse use first in order to assess the client’s pain level?
Pulse and blood pressure findings
Scheduled treatments and client illness
A self-report pain rating scale
Behavioral indicators and affect
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. Pulse and blood pressure findings are not reliable indicators of pain, as they can be influenced by many other factors, such as anxiety, medication, or underlying conditions. They are also not sensitive enough to detect changes in pain intensity or relief.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect. Scheduled treatments and client illness are not relevant parameters for assessing pain, as they do not reflect the current pain experience of the client. They may provide some clues about the possible causes or sources of pain, but they do not measure the pain itself.
Choice C Reason: This is correct. A self-report pain rating scale is the most valid and reliable parameter for assessing pain, as it reflects the subjective perception of the client. The nurse should use a simple and appropriate scale, such as a numeric or visual analog scale, and ask the client to point to the number or picture that best represents their pain level.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. Behavioral indicators and affect are useful parameters for assessing pain, especially when the client has difficulty communicating verbally, but they are not the first choice. They are more subjective and variable than self-report, and they may be influenced by cultural or personal factors. They should be used in conjunction with self-report, not instead of it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vesicles on the skin are not typical of inhalation anthrax; instead, they are more associated with cutaneous anthrax, which presents as papules that progress to vesicles and then black eschars.
Choice B reason: Respiratory failure can occur later in the course of inhalation anthrax, but it is not an early finding. It usually develops after the initial phase of nonspecific symptoms when the illness progresses to severe respiratory distress and shock.
Choice C reason: Sloughing of skin is not characteristic of inhalation anthrax. Similar to vesicles, skin sloughing may be associated with severe cutaneous infections or other dermatologic conditions, not the respiratory form of anthrax.
Choice D reason: Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, malaise, muscle aches, and mild chest discomfort, are the initial and most indicative early findings of inhalation anthrax. These nonspecific symptoms often appear within several days after exposure before progressing to severe respiratory compromise.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Provide a brightly lit environment is not an intervention that the nurse should take. A brightly lit environment can stimulate the brain and increase intracranial pressure. The nurse should provide a quiet and dimly lit environment to reduce sensory stimuli and promote rest.
Choice B: Elevate the head of the bed is an intervention that the nurse should take. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can help reduce intracranial pressure by facilitating venous drainage from the brain and decreasing cerebral blood volume. The nurse should avoid flexing or extending the neck, which can impede blood flow and increase intracranial pressure.
Choice C: Encourage a minimum intake of 2000 mL (67.6 oz) of clear fluids per day is not an intervention that the nurse should take. A high fluid intake can increase intracranial pressure by increasing blood volume and cerebral edema. The nurse should monitor fluid balance and restrict fluid intake as prescribed to maintain normal osmolality and prevent fluid overload.
Choice D: Teach controlled coughing and deep breathing is not an intervention that the nurse should take. Coughing and deep breathing can increase intrathoracic pressure, which can increase intracranial pressure by reducing venous return from the brain. The nurse should avoid activities that can increase intrathoracic pressure, such as straining, sneezing, or blowing the nose. The nurse should also administer oxygen as prescribed to maintain adequate oxygenation and perfusion of the brain.
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