A patient who had knee surgery received intramuscular ketorolac (Toradol) 30 minutes ago and continues to complain of pain at a level of 7 (0 to 10 scale). Which action is best for the nurse to take at this time?
a. Administer the prescribed PRN IV morphine sulfate.
b. Notify the health care provider about the ongoing knee pain.
c. Reassure the patient that postoperative pain is expected after knee surgery.
d. Teach the patient that the effects of ketorolac typically last about 6 to 8 hours.
ANS: A
The priority at this time is pain relief. Concomitant use of opioids and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) improves pain control in postoperative patients. Patient teaching and reassurance are appropriate, but should be done after the patient's pain is relieved. If the patient continues to have pain after the morphine is administered, the health care provider should be notified.
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