A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following gynecologic surgery and reports incisional pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Ask the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10.
Reposition the client and offer her a back rub.
Determine the time the client last received pain medication.
Measure the client's vital signs, including temperature.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Ask the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10:
Assessing the client's pain intensity is the first essential step in managing postoperative pain. Understanding the severity of pain will guide the nurse in determining the appropriate intervention and whether immediate pain relief measures or further assessment are needed.
B) Reposition the client and offer her a back rub:
Repositioning and providing comfort measures like a back rub can help alleviate discomfort, but assessing the pain level first is crucial to prioritize interventions effectively.
C) Determine the time the client last received pain medication:
Knowing the timing of the last pain medication dose is important but assessing current pain intensity takes precedence to determine if the client needs immediate pain relief.
D) Measure the client's vital signs, including temperature:
While vital signs are important for overall assessment, addressing pain management and comfort should be the initial focus after the client reports incisional pain postoperatively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "I might not get relief from my pain for 3 to 4 weeks.": This statement is correct because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen can take several weeks to achieve their full therapeutic effect, particularly in chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
B) "I can take these pills with my meals.": Taking naproxen with meals is appropriate and helps to minimize gastrointestinal irritation, which is a common side effect of NSAIDs. Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching.
C) "I am taking this type of medication so it dissolves in my intestine, not my stomach.": This is correct as enteric-coated medications are designed to pass through the stomach intact and dissolve in the intestines to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
D) "It's okay to crush a tablet as long as I make sure it dissolves completely in water before swallowing it.": This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed or chewed because crushing them destroys the coating designed to protect the stomach from irritation and the drug from stomach acid, potentially leading to increased side effects and reduced effectiveness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Shave excess hair from skin before applying a nitroglycerin patch:
Shaving excess hair is not necessary for applying a nitroglycerin patch. The patch should be applied to a clean, dry, and hairless area of skin to ensure proper adhesion and absorption of medication.
B) Keep a nitroglycerin patch in place 24 hr. per day:
Nitroglycerin patches are typically worn for a specified period (usually 12 to 14 hours) and then removed for a "patch-free" interval to prevent tolerance development. Continuous use can lead to tolerance, reducing the effectiveness of the medication.
C) Put a second patch in place if angina pain occurs:
Applying a second nitroglycerin patch is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider. Increasing the dosage of nitroglycerin without proper medical advice can lead to hypotension and other adverse effects. The client should follow the prescribed regimen and seek medical assistance if angina pain is not relieved.
D) Fold used patch with medication area to the inside and discard in a closed receptacle:
This is the correct instruction. Used nitroglycerin patches should be folded with the adhesive side together (medication area inside) to prevent accidental exposure and disposed of in a closed receptacle. This helps ensure safe disposal and prevents unintentional contact with the medication by others.
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