Exhibits

Lamont the procedure, but she also wants to explain some important concepts. What should she include? Select the 4 correct answers, (Case Study #1)

A. Family members report that pain has subsided. Pain is a subjective experience, and the patient's own report is the most reliable indicator of pain relief, not the observations of family members.
B. Vital signs have returned to baseline. While pain can affect vital signs, such as increasing heart rate or blood pressure, their return to normal does not necessarily indicate adequate pain relief. Some patients may still experience significant pain despite stable vital signs.
C. Body language is incongruent with reports of pain relief. Nonverbal cues can be helpful in assessing pain, but they should not override the patient’s self-reported pain level, which is the most accurate measure.
D. You compare assessed pain with baseline pain. The best way to evaluate the effectiveness of PCA analgesia is to assess the patient’s pain level before and after medication administration, comparing it to baseline pain. This provides an objective measure of pain relief.

A. Bradypnea refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate, typically below 12 breaths per minute in an adult. A rate of 32 breaths/min is too fast to be considered bradypnea.
B. Apnea is the absence of breathing for a prolonged period. Since the patient has a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min, apnea does not apply.
C. Tachypnea is defined as a rapid respiratory rate exceeding 20 breaths per minute in an adult. A rate of 32 breaths/min indicates tachypnea, which may be caused by conditions such as fever, anxiety, or respiratory distress.
D. Eupnea refers to normal breathing, with a respiratory rate between 12–20 breaths per minute. A rate of 32 breaths/min is too high to be considered eupnea.