A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a parent of a child who has eczema. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. “I will call for pain medication before the previous dose wears off.”

The statement "I will call for pain medication before the previous dose wears off" indicates an understanding of proactive pain management. In postoperative pain control, it is generally more effective to stay ahead of the pain by taking pain medication on a scheduled basis rather than waiting until the pain becomes severe. This approach helps to maintain a more consistent level of pain relief.

B. “I will call for pain medication as my pain becomes intolerable.”

Waiting until the pain becomes intolerable may result in suboptimal pain control. It's more effective to take pain medication before reaching a point of intolerable pain.

C. “I will wait for you to evaluate my pain before asking for more.”

Waiting for the nurse to evaluate pain before requesting more medication may result in delays in pain relief. Pain management often involves collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, and timely communication about pain levels is essential.

D. “I will ask for less medication to avoid addiction.”

This statement reflects a concern about addiction but may lead to inadequate pain relief. Pain management should prioritize effective pain control while balancing the risks and benefits of medications. The goal is to provide sufficient pain relief without compromising the client's well-being.

A. "I’ll apply ice to my ankle for 20 minutes every hour."

This is the correct choice. Applying ice for a specified duration (20 minutes) every hour is a standard recommendation for managing swelling and pain associated with an ankle sprain. It helps reduce inflammation and provides relief.

B. "I’ll rewrap my ankle starting from the knee down."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding. When rewrapping an ankle, it should be done from the bottom (proximal) to the top (distal) to provide proper compression. Starting from the knee down is not the correct technique.

C. "I’ll walk on my ankle for 10 minutes every hour."

This statement may indicate a misunderstanding or potential for harm. Immediate weight-bearing or walking on an injured ankle, especially after a sprain, is generally not recommended. Rest is often a key component of initial management.

D. "I’ll put a heating pad on my ankle at bedtime tonight."

This statement may indicate a misunderstanding. Heat is not typically recommended in the initial stages of treating an acute injury like an ankle sprain, as it may increase inflammation. Ice (cold therapy) is usually the preferred modality early on to reduce swelling and pain.