The nurse inquires of a postoperative client as to the need for pain medication. The client denies the need then but 30 minutes later reports, "I am really in a lot of pain. Can you bring me my pain pill now?"
The nurse recognizes that the most immediate need for client education is related to explaining that:
1. His oral medication will take approximately 30 minutes to affect his pain
2. There may be a need to administer his pain medication via the intravenous route
3. Pain medication is more effective if blood levels are maintained at a constant level
4. His pain will be more effectively managed if he reports a need for pain medica-tion while the pain is still tolerable
ANS: 4
Teach clients the importance of reporting their pain sooner rather than later because the pain is better managed while it is still tolerable. Medication routes do affect the amount of time it will take to feel relief, and blood levels are a factor in pain management as well. The answer address-es the most general and immediate educational need.
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Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate? 1. "It will be less stressful to administer both shots during this visit." 2. "The additional injection will make your child run a fever." 3. "You really should wait and come back next month for this immunization." 4. "This immunization is not offered until after the age of 12 months."
During appraisal interviews, the nurse manager defends the choice of rating by emphasizing the negative aspects of the nurse's performance. What is the likely outcome of this strategy?
1. The nurse will clearly see the impact of attitude on performance. 2. The nurse will identify ways that performance can be improved. 3. The nurse will pay less attention to maintaining what is done well. 4. The nurse will ignore the negative statements and focus only on the positive.
A client insists that having a "hot toddy" laced with liquor at bedtime helps induce sleep. Which response by the nurse would be the MOST culturally sensitive?
a. "Is that something you learned from a relative or friend?" b. "No one your age should be drinking at bedtime." c. "That is an old wives' tale. The doctor can prescribe a sleep aid if you need one." d. "Alcohol is prohibited while taking this medication."
A patient returns from surgery with a dressing on the abdomen. Several hours later, you notice that there is a large amount of blood on the dressing. You should
A) do nothing, as dressings are not your responsibility. B) get some gauze and cover the dressing. C) remove the dressing at once. D) inform the nurse immediately.