You have delegated vital signs to the assistive personnel. The assistant informs you that the patient has just finished a bowl of hot soup. The nurse's most appropriate advice would be to

A. Regular use of narcotic analgesics leads to drug addiction. While opioids can cause dependence with prolonged use, addiction is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior. When used appropriately for pain management, addiction risk is low.
B. Amount of pain is reflective of actual tissue damage. Pain perception varies widely among individuals. Some may experience severe pain with minimal tissue damage, while others may have little pain despite significant injury.
C. Patients are the best judges of their pain. Pain is subjective, and only the patient can accurately describe its intensity and quality. Nurses should trust the patient's self-report rather than rely solely on appearance or behavior.
D. Chronic pain is psychological in nature. Chronic pain often has a physiological basis, such as nerve damage or inflammation, though psychological factors can influence pain perception. It is not purely psychological.

A. Choose a cuff that is the right size. Using the correct cuff size is essential for accurate blood pressure readings. A cuff that is too small can falsely elevate readings, while a cuff that is too large can falsely lower them.
B. Support the extremity. The arm should be supported at heart level to prevent unnecessary muscle strain, which could affect blood pressure readings. An unsupported arm may lead to an artificially higher reading.
C. Have the patient cross their legs while taking blood pressure. Crossing the legs can increase blood pressure by reducing venous return and increasing vascular resistance, leading to inaccurate measurements. The patient should keep their feet flat on the floor.
D. Ensure proper cuff application. The cuff should be placed snugly around the upper arm with the artery marker positioned correctly over the brachial artery. Improper placement can lead to inaccurate readings.
E. Ensure that the patient is sitting or lying. Blood pressure should be measured while the patient is in a stable position—either sitting with feet flat on the floor or lying down. Standing may result in postural changes that can alter blood pressure readings.