The nurse takes into consideration the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) standards for pain assessment and treatment.
Include:.

Choice A rationale:

Bringing a newspaper or deck of cards does not directly relate to guided imagery, which is a technique used to help patients manage pain through visualization. It's important to provide interventions that align with the patient's expressed preference and pain management goals.

Choice B rationale:

Finding a focal point in the room is not directly related to guided imagery. While it may be helpful for relaxation in some cases, it's not a specific technique for guiding a patient through visualization to manage pain.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining skin lotion and a towel for a back rub is not related to guided imagery, and it assumes the patient's preference without considering the patient's previously mentioned benefit from guided imagery.

Choice D rationale:

Reading from a script that helps the patient visualize a restful place aligns with the practice of guided imagery. This technique can be effective in helping patients manage pain by redirecting their focus and promoting relaxation. It's a suitable intervention based on the patient's past experience and preferences. .

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.