For the past six hours, a postoperative male client has refused pain medication because he believed that he could "tough it out." When an opioid analgesic is administered, the client has difficulty obtaining a satisfactory level of comfort. Which action is best for the practical nurse (PN) to use in assisting this client to deal with his pain?
Dim the lights in the room and close the door.
Guide the client through slow, rhythmic breathing.
Turn the television on to the client's favorite show.
Obtain a prescription for a higher dose of pain medication.
The Correct Answer is B
This is the best action for the PN to use in assisting this client to deal with his pain because it provides a non-pharmacological method of pain relief that can enhance the effect of the opioid analgesic. Slow, rhythmic breathing can help the client relax, distract from the pain, and increase oxygenation and blood flow.
A. Dimming the lights in the room and closing the door may not be enough to help the client deal with his pain and may not address his psychological or emotional needs.
C. Turning the television on to the client's favorite show may not be effective in helping the client deal with his pain and may be distracting or irritating for him.
D. Obtaining a prescription for a higher dose of pain medication may not be necessary or appropriate for this client and may increase the risk of side effects or dependence. The PN should assess the client's pain level and response to the current dose before requesting a change in medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat GERD by reducing stomach acid production. If the client reports not experiencing heartburn after eating lunch, it indicates that the medication is effectively reducing stomach acid and alleviating GERD symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
The ability to swallow food without difficulty is not directly related to the desired effect of pantoprazole. It may be an important aspect of the client's overall condition, but it does not specifically indicate the efficacy of the medication in treating GERD.
Choice C rationale:
Having no difficulty straining for a bowel movement is unrelated to the desired effect of pantoprazole in treating GERD. Pantoprazole does not directly influence bowel movements.
Choice D rationale:
Having a great appetite and feeling hungry are not relevant indicators of the effectiveness of pantoprazole in treating GERD. These statements are more related to the client's appetite and overall well-being rather than the response to the medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A. Temperature. Choice A rationale:
The practical nurse (PN) should complete the data collection for temperature first. A large amount of sanguineous drainage on the abdominal incision dressing could indicate possible infection or a change in the client's condition. Elevated temperature may be an early sign of infection, which requires immediate attention and appropriate intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Assessing the pain scale is important, but it can be addressed after completing the data collection for temperature. Pain assessment is essential for providing appropriate pain management, but it is not the most urgent concern when there is a significant amount of drainage from the incision site.
Choice C rationale:
Checking bowel sounds is relevant in postoperative care, but it is not the priority at this moment. Abdominal incision drainage takes precedence as it may indicate a more critical issue that requires immediate attention.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring blood pressure is essential, but it is not the most immediate concern in this scenario. A large amount of sanguineous drainage from the abdominal incision takes precedence over blood pressure monitoring at this time.
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