A client's pain level is assessed as being severe. Which intervention would be the most applicable for the client at this time?
1. Provide NSAID medication as prescribed.
2. Coach the client with guided imagery.
3. Suggest the client read or watch television until the pain subsides.
4. Provide opioid analgesic as prescribed.
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The selection of pain relief measures should be aligned with the client's report of the severity of the pain. If the client reports mild pain, an analgesic such as acetaminophen might be indicated.
Rationale 2: Using a technique such as guided imagery is essentially telling the client to ignore the pain, which is a misalignment of the pain severity and the intervention selected.
Rationale 3: Using a technique such as watching television is essentially telling the client to ignore the pain, which is a misalignment of the pain severity and the intervention selected.
Rationale 4: The selection of pain relief measures should be aligned with the client's report of the severity of the pain. If a client reports severe pain, a more potent pain relief measure is indicated.
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The nurse is working on a surgical unit, and overhears another nurse say, "That client is asking for pain medication again. He is constantly on the call bell, always reporting how severe his pain is, and I think he's just drug-seeking. I'm going to make him wait the full 4 hours before I give this medication again." Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate in this situation?
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