An accident arrives at the emergency department (ED) with severe right lower quadrant abdominal pain.
To assess the intensity of the client's pain, which approach should the nurse use?
Ask the client to describe the pain.
Provide a numeric pain scale.
Identify effective pain relief measures.
Observe body language and movement.
The Correct Answer is B
The assessment of pain intensity by a validated pain scale is a critical initial step, and a patient’s self-reporting is widely considered as the key to effective pain management 1.
According to good practice guidelines, clinicians must accept a patient’s statement, regardless of their own opinions 1.
Choice A is not the answer because asking the client to describe the pain does not provide an objective measure of pain intensity 1.
Choice C is not the answer because identifying effective pain relief measures does not assess the intensity of the client’s pain 1.
Choice D is not the answer because observing body language and movement does not provide an objective measure of pain intensity 1.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
To assess the quality of the client’s pain, the nurse should ask the client to describe the pain.
This will help the nurse to understand the characteristics of the pain and how it is affecting the client.
Choice B is incorrect because providing a numeric pain scale only assesses the intensity of the pain, not its quality.
Choice C is incorrect because identifying effective pain relief measures does not assess the quality of the pain.
Choice D is incorrect because observing body language and movement only provides indirect information about the quality of the pain.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When checking the restraints, the most important action for the nurse to take is to assess capillary refill distal to the restraints.
This helps to ensure that the restraints are not too tight and that blood flow to the extremities is not compromised.
Choice B, verifying that the restraints can be quickly released, is important for safety but does not directly address the client’s physical well-being.
Choice D, replacing the nasogastric tube, may also be necessary but is not the most important action in this situation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today