A nurse is caring for a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and has been prescribed ibuprofen (Advil).

Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

The correct answer is choice A, C and E. These statements indicate that the client understands the teaching about nonpharmacological pain management techniques.

• Choice A is correct becausemeditationcan help the client relax and cope with pain by reducing stress and anxiety.

• Choice C is correct becausedistractioncan help the client divert attention from pain by engaging in enjoyable or stimulating activities.

• Choice E is correct becauseheatcan help the client soothe the painful area by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles.

• Choice B is wrong becausecold packsshould not be applied to the painful area for more than15 minutesat a time, as they can cause tissue damage or frostbite.

• Choice D is wrong becausemassageshould not be done with firm pressure, as it can aggravate the pain or cause injury.Gentle massage may be beneficial for some clients.

The correct answer is choice C. Assess the patient’s leg for circulation, sensation, and movement.

This is because the patient’s symptoms of pain, tingling, and numbness in his left leg could indicate a potential complication of impaired blood flow or nerve damage after surgery.The nurse should prioritize assessing the patient’s leg for any signs of compromised circulation, sensation, or movement before administering any pain medication.

Choice A is wrong because administering morphine sulfate 2 mg IV bolus without assessing the patient’s leg could mask the symptoms of a serious problem and delay appropriate interventions.Morphine sulfate is a potent opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory depression, sedation, and constipation.

Choice B is wrong because administering ibuprofen 400 mg PO without assessing the patient’s leg could also mask the symptoms of a serious problem and delay appropriate interventions.Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Choice D is wrong because reassessing the patient’s pain in 15 minutes without assessing the patient’s leg could result in the worsening of the patient’s condition and increased risk of complications.The nurse should not delay assessing the patient’s leg for any signs of impaired circulation, sensation, or movement.