The nurse is caring for a postoperative older patient who received PO hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Lortab) 45 minutes prior after reporting a pain level of 8 on a scale of 1 to 10
The patient reports a pain level of 4, and the nurse notes a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute, a heart rate of 92 beats per minute, and a blood pressure of 170/95 mm Hg. Which action will the nurse take?
a. Contact the provider and request an order for a more potent opioid analgesic.
b. Reassess the patient in 30 minutes.
c. Request an order for ibuprofen to augment the opioid analgesic.
d. Suggest that the patient use nonpharmacologic measures to relieve pain.
ANS: A
Even though the patient reports decreased pain, the patient's vital signs indicate continued discomfort. The nurse should contact the provider to request a stronger analgesic. The pain medication should have been effective within 30 minutes. Ibuprofen is used for musculoskeletal pain. Nonpharmacologic measures may be useful, but the patient still needs a stronger analgesic.
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