The Client in Pain

Question 1

The nurse finds it difficult to relieve a patient’s pain satisfactorily. Which measure should the nurse take next when continuing efforts to promote comfort?

1. Increase the client’s confidence in the nurse
2. Enlist the help of the client’s family
3. Allow the client additional time to work through his or her own response to pain
4. Arrange to have the client share a room with a client who has little pain

Answer 1

1. Increase the client’s confidence in the nurse

Clients who feels confidence in the persons who are caring for them do not require as much therapy for pain relief as do those who have less confidence.

The client may require time to adjust to the pain, but the nurse and client can collaborate to try to evaluate a variety of pain relief strategies.

Question 2

Ergotamine tartrate is prescribed for a client’s migraine headaches. What is an expected outcome of the use of this drug?

1. prevention of the migraine
2. aborting of the developing migraine
3. relief from the sleeplessness experienced in the past after a migraine
4. relief from the vision problems experienced in the past after a migraine

Answer 2

2. aborting of the developing migraine

Question 3

A client is receiving massage therapy to relieve pain. Which statement explains why massage is an effective way to relieve pain? Massage therapy:

1. blocks pain impulses from the spinal cord to the brain
2. blocks pain impulses from the brain to the spinal cord
3. stimulates the release of endorphins
4. distracts the client’s focus on the source of the pain

Answer 3

1. blocks pain impulses from the spinal cord to the brain

Question 4

A client is using PCA to manage post-op pain. What should the nurse do when assisting the client with the PCA?

1. Reassure the client that pain will be relieved.
2. Document the client’s response to pain medication
3. Instruct the client to continue pressing the system’s button whenever pain occurs.
4. Titrate pain medication until the client is free from pain

Answer 4

2. Document the client’s response to pain medication

It is essential that the nurse document the client’s response to pain medication on a routine, systematic basis.

Question 5

A client has a PCA infusion to manage post-op pain. In spite of receiving a dose of pain medication, the client rates the pain at 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale. What should the nurse do first?

1. Check the PCA pump function
2. Inspect the infusion rate
3. Assess vital signs
4. Notify the HCP

Answer 5

2. Inspect the infusion rate

Question 6

A client is using healing touch therapy to manage pain. What should the nurse tell the client about how healing touch can be effective in pain management?

1. directing the flow of energy fields
2. lightly touching the client skin
3. massaging the client’s muscles
4. increasing endorphin production

Answer 6

1. directing the flow of energy fields