Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?

Instruct the client in use of the prescribed patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.

Assist the client in assuming a lateral recumbent position for comfort.

Initiate continuous passive motion (CPM) to relieve muscle spasms.

Apply ice to the incision for twenty minutes prior to joint flexion exercises.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Instructing the client in the use of the PCA pump directly addresses the severe pain by allowing the client to self-administer analgesia as needed, which provides immediate relief and is crucial for effective pain management post-surgery.
B. Assisting the client in changing positions may offer temporary relief but does not address the underlying pain, which should be managed primarily through medication.
C. Initiating CPM is not an appropriate first step for managing severe pain. CPM is used for improving joint mobility and should only be considered after effective pain management is established.
D. Applying ice might provide some temporary relief, but it is not a substitute for effective pain control through medication. Addressing the pain with PCA is the priority.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A PCA pump could be considered, but the immediate action should be ensuring the client understands and follows the prescribed pain management regimen.
B. While explaining potential side effects like respiratory depression is important, this action may increase anxiety about pain management rather than address the client's current concern.
C. Teaching the family how to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics is important but secondary to ensuring the client is consistently receiving pain relief.
D. Providing the client with a schedule of around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use is crucial in managing pain effectively in hospice care. Consistent pain management, rather than waiting for pain to become severe, is a key principle in palliative care to ensure comfort.

A. Ask the UAP to offer a backrub to the client. B. Reassess the client and the level of pain. C. Tell the client the medication needs more time to work. D. Encourage the client to focus on taking deep breaths.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Asking a UAP to offer a backrub is not appropriate if the pain assessment indicates that the current pain management strategy is insufficient. The nurse needs to reassess the pain to determine the effectiveness of the medication and whether additional interventions are needed.
B. Reassessing the client and the level of pain is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the morphine sulfate administered and to guide further pain management decisions. This step is crucial for understanding the client's current pain status and determining the next steps in pain management.
C. Telling the client that the medication needs more time to work does not address the client's immediate concern or pain relief. Reassessing pain and potentially adjusting the treatment plan is more appropriate.
D. Encouraging deep breathing may help with pain management but does not address the need for further assessment of the pain level or potential adjustment in medication. Reassessing pain is the priority.

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Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client is requesting medicine for pain 30 minutes after receiving morphine sulfate 5 mg intravenously. Which intervention should the nurse implement next?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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