A patient has just had surgery. What pain control strategy is best?
a. Administer prn medications when re-quested.
b. Give pain medications around the clock at first.
c. Start with nonopioids then progress to opioids.
d. Ask the patient his or her preference for medication.
B
After surgery the patient is expected to have pain. The best way to control acute pain is through round-the-clock dosing (at least at first) to keep the patient's pain from getting out of control. The nurse should assess the patient's preferences, but should assess preferences for pain levels, because the patient may not be experienced in receiving pain medications. Opioids are expected for acute pain from surgery.
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