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 C
Explanation
Restate the vital importance of performing hand hygiene. The most effective way to prevent MRSA is frequent hand washing1.
Choice A is incorrect because changing the coccyx dressing after performing routine care does not necessarily prevent the spread of MRSA to others.
Choice B is incorrect because changing the coccyx dressing before performing routine care does not necessarily prevent the spread of MRSA to others.
Choice D is incorrect because performing a coccyx dressing change in the nursing station does not necessarily prevent the spread of MRSA to others.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Hyperkalemia is a condition where there is an elevated level of potassium in the blood.
It can occur in patients with renal disease due to the kidneys’ reduced ability to excrete potassium.
Treatment-related side effects, such as certain medications or chemotherapy, can also contribute to hyperkalemia by altering potassium levels in the body1.
Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac conduction disturbances2.
Therefore, it is important for the nurse to determine the apical pulse rate and rhythm.
Choice A is not correct because comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).
Choice C is not correct because measuring color and amount of urine is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).
Choice D is not correct because assessing strength of deep tendon reflexes is not the most important intervention for a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L).
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