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

Choice A rationale:
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a method of pain management that allows the patient to administer their own pain medication within specified limits, but it doesn't reduce the workload of the nurse. The nurse is responsible for setting up and monitoring the PCA pump, educating the patient, assessing their pain, and ensuring safety. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
PCA does not completely eliminate pain. It provides the patient with control over their pain relief by allowing them to self-administer medication within preset limits. However, it does not guarantee the complete absence of pain. Pain relief is provided within a safe dosage range, but some level of pain may still be experienced. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
PCA does not eliminate the risk of adverse drug effects entirely. The nurse must monitor the patient for signs of adverse effects, such as respiratory depression or sedation. While the patient has control over medication administration, there are still risks associated with opioid analgesics. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
The principal advantage of using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is that it reduces patient anxiety about pain by giving the patient more control over its management. This choice is correct because PCA empowers the patient to self-administer pain medication when needed, which can lead to better pain control and reduced anxiety. The nurse sets safe dosage limits and monitors the patient, ensuring safety while providing a sense of control.

Choice A rationale:

False. Pain should not be assessed only for patients who complain of pain. Pain assessment should be a routine part of patient care, as not all patients may be able to verbalize their pain or may underreport it. Identifying and addressing pain is crucial for patient well-being.

Choice B rationale:

False. Pain treatment does not necessarily end at discharge. The management of pain may continue beyond the hospital setting, and a plan for pain management post-discharge may be needed. This ensures that patients receive appropriate pain relief and support during their recovery.

Choice C rationale:

True. According to the Joint Commission's standards, all patients have the right to appropriate assessment of pain. This means that every patient, regardless of their condition or the presence of pain complaints, should have their pain assessed and managed as necessary.

Choice D rationale:

False. Pain treatment is not solely based on objective data collected by the nurse. Pain is a subjective experience, and it is essential to consider the patient's self-report of pain, in addition to any objective data, when determining the appropriate treatment. Objective data can help, but it should not be the sole basis for pain management.