An older adult client grimaces and demonstrates guarding behavior, but denies experiencing pain when asked by the nurse to rate the pain on a numeric scale. Which action should the nurse take next?
Ask the client to describe how they are feeling.
Administer a PRN dose of a prescribed analgesic.
Document that the client denies pain in the nurse's notes.
Confront the client about inconsistent behavior and response.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Asking the client to describe their feelings provides an opportunity to explore their symptoms in more detail, which might help in understanding their pain better. This approach respects the client's experience and opens a dialogue to assess their discomfort more accurately, especially if they are not expressing it verbally or are having difficulty quantifying it.
B. Administering medication without further assessment might be premature. The client's denial of pain and the presence of grimacing and guarding behavior suggest that there may be underlying discomfort, but it's crucial to assess the situation more thoroughly before administering medication.
C. While documenting the client’s verbal denial of pain is important, it should not be the only action taken. The client's non-verbal cues such as grimacing and guarding behavior suggest that they might be experiencing pain despite their verbal denial.
D. Confronting the client could be perceived as accusatory and might make them feel defensive or uncomfortable. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding rather than confrontation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The ethics committee can provide guidance on how to navigate the conflict between the healthcare provider’s beliefs and the client's documented wishes. The committee can mediate discussions and help ensure that the client's rights and preferences are respected according to legal and ethical standards.
B. While having resuscitation equipment available might be relevant if there is a sudden need for emergency intervention, it does not directly address the issue of honoring the client’s living will. This action does not resolve the ethical conflict or ensure that the client’s wishes are respected.
C. Documenting the healthcare provider’s refusal is important for legal and medical records but does not resolve the situation or ensure that the client’s wishes are respected. Documentation alone does not address the ethical conflict or take action to honor the client’s living will.
D. Facilitating a meeting between the healthcare provider and the spouse could be beneficial for discussing the client’s wishes and potentially reaching a mutual understanding. However, if the healthcare provider remains unwilling to honor the living will despite such discussions, this action alone may not resolve the conflict.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Applying cornstarch or other powders to moist skin can exacerbate dryness and irritation, as powders can absorb moisture but also contribute to a dry skin environment. In general, powders are not recommended for use on already dry or irritated skin, especially for older adults, as they can lead to further skin issues or contribute to fungal infections.
B. Gently applying lotion or moisturizer to the skin after bathing is the most appropriate action. Moisturizers help to rehydrate and lock in moisture, reducing the risk of dry, itchy skin. Applying lotion to damp skin (immediately after bathing) is particularly effective as it helps to seal in the moisture.
C. Adding bath oil to the bath water can be beneficial for moisturizing the skin, as it helps to create a barrier that prevents moisture loss. However, for the client’s specific request about post-bath relief, adding oil to the bath water does not address the immediate need for skin care after bathing.
D. Liquid soap can be gentler on the skin compared to bar soap, which can be drying, especially if it contains harsh ingredients. However, switching from bar soap to liquid soap is a preventive measure and does not provide immediate relief for already dry and itchy skin.
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