Kathy is working in a mother-baby unit.
Which pain scale is used to determine if the baby is in pain?

The correct answer is choice B. "Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?"

Choice A rationale:

"Your husband should decide when more medication is needed.” This response is incorrect because it implies that the partner has the authority to decide when the client needs pain medication, which violates the purpose of a PCA pump. A PCA pump is specifically designed for client-controlled pain management, ensuring that the patient, not anyone else, controls when they receive pain medication. Allowing someone else to press the button can lead to overmedication and safety risks.

Choice B rationale:

"Why do you think your husband needs more medication when he is asleep?" This response is correct because it prompts the partner to reflect on their actions and provides an opportunity for the nurse to educate about the proper use of PCA pumps. It addresses the immediate issue without being confrontational and opens the door for further discussion on the importance of client safety and correct PCA use.

Choice C rationale:

"It's a good idea to help make sure your husband can sleep comfortably.” This response is incorrect as it endorses inappropriate and unsafe behavior. It encourages the partner to continue pressing the PCA button, risking the client's safety due to potential overmedication, which can lead to severe complications, such as respiratory depression.

Choice D rationale:

"Next time you think he needs more medication, call me and I'll push the button.” This response is incorrect because it contradicts PCA protocols and removes the control from the client. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client’s pain and safety, not administering medication upon another person’s request. This approach also increases the risk of dosing errors and undermines the purpose of patient-controlled analgesia.

Choice A rationale:

Bradycardia, a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with acute pain. In response to pain, the body usually experiences increased heart rate (tachycardia) as part of the stress response.

Choice B rationale:

A decreased respiratory rate is not an expected finding in response to acute pain. Acute pain often leads to increased respiratory rate as the body attempts to manage the pain and stress.

Choice C rationale:

Hypoglycemia, a low blood sugar level, is not a typical physiological response to acute pain. Acute pain is more likely to induce a release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels.

Choice D rationale:

Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, is an expected physiological response to acute pain. Pain activates the body's stress response, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which can cause vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. This response helps prepare the body to cope with the pain and stress. Monitoring blood pressure in a client reporting acute pain is essential to assess the impact of pain and determine appropriate pain management strategies.