A nurse is caring for a client with severe acute abdominal pain secondary to cholelithiasis. Which nursing actions promote effective pain management?

Question

Select all that apply.
A) Withhold oral food and fluids.
B) Insert nasogastric tube and connect to high wall suction.
C) Educate the client about decreasing protein in the diet, as protein increases gallbladder contractions.
D) Administer morphine, meperidine, or another opioid analgesic as ordered.
E) Place the patient in supine position to relieve abdominal pain.

Answer 1

Answer: A, D

The pain associated with cholelithiasis can be severe. Nursing interventions that help to promote effective pain management include withholding oral food and fluids and inserting a nasogastric tube connected to low wall suction. The nurse should educate the client about decreasing fat in the diet, as fat entering the duodenum initiates gallbladder contractions, causing pain when gallstones are in the ducts. Administering morphine, meperidine, or another opioid analgesic as ordered aids in pain management. The nurse should place the patient in Fowler position, not supine, to decrease pressure on the inflamed gallbladder.