A priority goal of the nursing pain assessment is to:

Choice A: Anesthetic agents and other drugs that were administered

This is a correct answer. Including information about the anesthetic agents and other drugs administered during surgery is crucial for the PACU nurse. This information helps in monitoring the patient’s recovery from anesthesia and managing any potential side effects or complications. Knowing the specific drugs used allows the PACU nurse to anticipate and address issues such as pain management, nausea, and allergic reactions.

Choice B: The patient’s relevant health history

This is another correct answer. The patient’s relevant health history provides essential context for the PACU nurse. It includes information about chronic conditions, allergies, previous surgeries, and any other factors that might affect the patient’s recovery. Understanding the patient’s health history helps the PACU nurse to tailor post-operative care to the patient’s specific needs and to be vigilant for any complications that might arise due to pre-existing conditions.

Choice C: The name of the surgical procedure

This is also a correct answer. Knowing the specific surgical procedure performed is vital for the PACU nurse. It helps in understanding the expected post-operative course, potential complications, and specific care requirements. For example, the care for a patient who underwent a cardiac surgery will differ significantly from the care for a patient who had an orthopedic procedure.

Choice D: Estimated blood loss during surgery

This is the final correct answer. Reporting the estimated blood loss during surgery is important for the PACU nurse to assess the patient’s hemodynamic status and to plan for any necessary interventions. Significant blood loss may require monitoring for signs of hypovolemia, administering fluids or blood products, and closely watching vital signs.

Choice A: Demonstrate a caring attitude to the patient and family
While demonstrating a caring attitude is an essential aspect of nursing, it is not the primary goal of pain assessment. A caring attitude helps build trust and rapport with patients and their families, which is crucial for effective communication and overall patient care. However, the main objective of pain assessment is to gather data that will inform pain management strategies.
Choice B: Ensure complete documentation in the EHR
Ensuring complete documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is important for maintaining accurate patient records and facilitating communication among healthcare providers. However, this is a secondary goal that supports the primary objective of pain assessment. The main focus of pain assessment is to collect data that will guide pain management interventions.
Choice C: Gather subjective and objective data in order to plan and implement appropriate pain management techniques
This is the correct answer. The primary goal of a nursing pain assessment is to gather both subjective data (patient’s self-reported pain levels, descriptions, and experiences) and objective data (observations, vital signs, and physical assessments). This comprehensive data collection allows nurses to develop and implement effective pain management plans tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Accurate pain assessment is crucial for identifying the type, intensity, and cause of pain, which in turn informs the selection of appropriate pain relief measures.
Choice D: Develop a therapeutic relationship with the patient
Developing a therapeutic relationship with the patient is an important aspect of nursing care, as it fosters trust and open communication. However, it is not the primary goal of pain assessment. The main objective of pain assessment is to gather data that will inform pain management strategies. A therapeutic relationship can enhance the effectiveness of pain assessment and management, but it is a means to an end rather than the end itself.