The postsurgical patient has an order for morphine 2 mg IV push every 2 hours and propoxyphene 100 (Darvon 100) every 3 hours. He received the morphine 2 hours ago, and is complaining of pain again. What will the best plan of the nurse include?
1. Plan to administer the morphine again.
2. Plan to administer the propoxyphene 100 (Darvon 100).
3. Plan to have the patient do some distraction techniques.
4. Plan to assess the patient's level of pain.
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: The patient's level of pain should be assessed prior to the administration of any analgesic. The patient's level of pain should be assessed prior to administration of propoxyphene (Darvon) 100. The patient's level of pain should be assessed prior to administration of additional morphine. Distraction techniques are appropriate, but should not take the place of a pain assessment and administration of an analgesic.
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