The nurse is reviewing data for several patients. Which physiologic assessment findings should the nurse recognize are consistent with those of an adult experiencing acute pain?
1. Patients A and C
2. Patient A only
3. Patients B and D
4. Patient C only
Correct Answer: 3
Predictable physiologic changes occur in the presence of acute pain. These may include muscle tension; tachycardia; rapid, shallow respirations; increased blood pressure; dilated pupils; sweating; and pallor. Equal pupillary response, respiratory changes, and normal skin assessment are not predictable physiological changes with acute pain.
You might also like to view...
A new mother asks what she can do to help her infant sleep through the night. The nurse should instruct the mother to:
a. avoid talking to the infant and keep the room quiet during night feedings. b. bring the infant into a well-lighted room for the feeding. c. change the infant's diaper after the feeding to prevent waking the infant later in the night. d. play with the infant after the feeding before putting the infant back into the crib.
The nurse is working in the emergency department (ED) of a local hospital. Which response by a patient or family member would alert the nurse to the greatest risk for displaying aggression?
1. "My brother is in a lot of pain and can't get comfortable." 2. "I am worried about my husband's condition after his heart attack." 3. "I am nervous about the upcoming surgery to repair my broken arm." 4. "My mother is very short of breath but the medication seems to be helping."
A client tells the nurse that he receives health care services through the private sector. This sector of the health care delivery system includes:
a. independent providers who are reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis. b. providing public school nurse services. c. providing health care to the homeless population. d. Medicaid services.
Which trend is an effect of the nursing shortage on nursing education?
a. Only devoted qualified nurses are continuing to provide bedside nursing because of the complexity of care required, resulting in excellent preceptorships for students. b. The number of applicants to nursing programs has risen, but enrollment is limited because of a decrease in the number of available scholarships and grants. c. With an increase in the number of nurses who are entering graduate school to escape bedside nursing, students will soon enjoy a lower faculty/student ratio. d. Students may be assigned to preceptors who have not yet developed expertise in the field of interest.