The next 3 questions relate to this case study:

Exhibits

In the event of a reaction or side effect during Ms. Anderson’s chemotherapy session, select the immediate nursing interventions you would take. Select all that apply.

Choice A: Agency policy

While agency policy provides guidelines for reassessment intervals, it is not the primary factor in determining the specific time frame for reassessing a patient’s pain level. Policies serve as a general framework, but individual patient needs and clinical judgment should guide the reassessment timing.

Choice B: Type of intervention

This is a correct answer. The type of pain management intervention used significantly influences the reassessment time frame. For example, after administering intravenous pain medication, reassessment should occur sooner compared to oral medications due to the faster onset of action. Different interventions have varying durations of effectiveness, necessitating tailored reassessment intervals.

Choice C: Pain severity

This is another correct answer. The severity of the patient’s pain is a crucial factor in determining reassessment timing. Patients experiencing severe pain may require more frequent reassessments to ensure that pain management strategies are effective and to make timely adjustments if needed.

Choice D: If family members are present in the patient’s room

The presence of family members in the patient’s room is not a primary factor in determining the reassessment time frame. While family members can provide valuable support and information, the focus should remain on the patient’s clinical needs and the effectiveness of pain management interventions.

Choice E: The patient’s psychosocial condition

This is a correct answer. The patient’s psychosocial condition, including their emotional and mental state, can impact their perception of pain and response to pain management. Patients with anxiety, depression, or other psychosocial issues may require more frequent reassessments to address both physical and emotional aspects of pain.

Choice F: Risks for adverse effects

This is also a correct answer. The potential for adverse effects from pain management interventions necessitates careful monitoring and timely reassessment. For instance, opioids carry risks of respiratory depression and sedation, requiring close observation and frequent reassessment to ensure patient safety.

Choice G: Workload of the nurse

While the nurse’s workload can influence the practical aspects of care delivery, it should not dictate the reassessment time frame. Patient needs and clinical priorities should guide reassessment intervals, with workload management being a secondary consideration.

Choice H: The patient’s physical condition

This is the final correct answer. The patient’s overall physical condition, including comorbidities and current health status, affects their response to pain management and the need for reassessment. Patients with complex medical conditions may require more frequent monitoring to ensure effective pain control and to promptly address any complications.

Choice A: Promote healing by increasing the rate of the muscle remodeling process

While heat can aid in the healing process by improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the injured area, it does not specifically increase the rate of the muscle remodeling process. Muscle remodeling involves complex cellular activities that are not solely influenced by external heat application.

Choice B: Decrease pain by reducing inflammation

Heat therapy is generally not used to reduce inflammation. In fact, applying heat to an inflamed area can sometimes exacerbate the inflammation. Cold therapy is more effective for reducing inflammation, especially in the initial stages of an injury.

Choice C: Decrease pain by increasing circulation to a painful area and relaxing tense muscles

This is the correct answer. Applying heat to a painful area causes vasodilation, which increases blood flow and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues. This process helps to relax tense muscles and alleviate pain. Heat therapy is particularly effective for muscle spasms, stiffness, and chronic pain conditions.

Choice D: Decrease pain by numbing pain signals

Heat therapy does not numb pain signals in the same way that cold therapy does. Cold therapy works by numbing the affected area and reducing nerve activity, which helps to alleviate pain. Heat therapy, on the other hand, works by improving circulation and relaxing muscles.