The nurse is caring for a client who is still experiencing light sedation after undergoing an emergency colectomy for bowel obstruction. Which postoperative pain intervention should the nurse implement first?

Provide the first medication prescribed for pain management.

Review medical records to obtain pain tolerance expectations.

Wait until the client is awake before providing pain management.

Attempt to obtain a self-report of pain level from the client.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Providing the first medication prescribed for pain management is the best intervention that the nurse can implement first, because it can prevent the escalation of pain and reduce the need for higher doses later. The nurse should follow the principles of pain management, such as administering analgesics before pain becomes severe, using a multimodal approach, and individualizing the plan of care.

Choice B reason: Reviewing medical records to obtain pain tolerance expectations is not a priority intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it may not reflect the current pain level or needs of the client. Pain tolerance is influenced by many factors, such as culture, age, gender, and previous experiences, and it may vary from person to person and from situation to situation.

Choice C reason: Waiting until the client is awake before providing pain management is not a recommended intervention that the nurse should implement first, because it can lead to inadequate pain relief and delayed recovery. The nurse should not assume that the client is not in pain because of sedation, but should use other indicators, such as vital signs, facial expressions, and body movements, to assess pain.

Choice D reason: Attempting to obtain a self-report of pain level from the client is not a feasible intervention that the nurse should implement first, because the client may not be able to respond due to sedation. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain assessment tool that is appropriate for the client's condition, such as the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) or the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT), to measure pain.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Joint pain is a common symptom of SLE, which is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. Joint pain can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and corticosteroids. Joint pain is not a life-threatening finding that requires immediate attention from the health care provider.

Choice B reason: Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, which can indicate kidney damage or failure. Kidney involvement is one of the most serious complications of SLE, which can lead to end-stage renal disease and require dialysis or transplantation. Hematuria is a critical finding that requires prompt intervention and treatment from the health care provider.

Choice C reason: Low grade fever is another common symptom of SLE, which can be caused by infection, inflammation, or medication side effects. Low grade fever can be treated with antipyretics, fluids, and antibiotics if needed. Low grade fever is not a life-threatening finding that requires immediate attention from the health care provider.

Choice D reason: Muscle atrophy is the loss of muscle mass and strength, which can occur due to inactivity, malnutrition, or steroid use. Muscle atrophy can be prevented or reversed with exercise, nutrition, and physiotherapy. Muscle atrophy is not a life-threatening finding that requires immediate attention from the health care provider.

A. Explain specific reason for urgent notification. B. Obtain a PRN prescription for acetaminophen for fever over 101° F (38.3° C). C. Preface the report by stating the client’s name and admitting diagnosis. D. Communicate the pre-transfusion temperatures.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Explaining the specific reason for urgent notification is important, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a PRN prescription for acetaminophen for fever over 101° F (38.3° C) is a possible recommendation that the nurse can make, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.

Choice C reason: Prefacing the report by stating the client’s name and admitting diagnosis is the first information that the nurse should provide, according to the SBAR communication process. This helps to establish the identity and context of the client and the situation.

Choice D reason: Communicating the pre-transfusion temperatures is part of the assessment that the nurse should provide, but it is not the first information that the nurse should provide. The nurse should first identify the client and the situation, then provide the background, assessment, and recommendation.

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The nurse is caring for a client who is still experiencing light sedation after undergoing an emergency colectomy for bowel obstruction. Which postoperative pain intervention should the nurse implement first?

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