A nurse is reinforcing teaching about pain control with a client who has acute pain following a subtotal gastric resection.
Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of pain control?

Choice A rationale:

False. Pain should not be assessed only for patients who complain of pain. Pain assessment should be a routine part of patient care, as not all patients may be able to verbalize their pain or may underreport it. Identifying and addressing pain is crucial for patient well-being.

Choice B rationale:

False. Pain treatment does not necessarily end at discharge. The management of pain may continue beyond the hospital setting, and a plan for pain management post-discharge may be needed. This ensures that patients receive appropriate pain relief and support during their recovery.

Choice C rationale:

True. According to the Joint Commission's standards, all patients have the right to appropriate assessment of pain. This means that every patient, regardless of their condition or the presence of pain complaints, should have their pain assessed and managed as necessary.

Choice D rationale:

False. Pain treatment is not solely based on objective data collected by the nurse. Pain is a subjective experience, and it is essential to consider the patient's self-report of pain, in addition to any objective data, when determining the appropriate treatment. Objective data can help, but it should not be the sole basis for pain management.

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.