A client who has undergone abdominal surgery is refusing hyromorphone (Dilaudid) because she has heard that people may become addicted. She is crying and rates her pain as 10 of 10

Question

Which of the following statements should the nurse include as part of the patient's education? Select all that apply. 1. Narcotics result in addiction in less than 1% to 3% of patients.
2. Untreated pain can result in poor wound healing.
3. Patients with uncontrolled pain have increased risk of blood clots.
4. Dehydration can result from poorly managed pain.
5. Family members will not want to visit patients with visible signs of pain.

Answer 1

1. Narcotics result in addiction in less than 1% to 3% of patients.
2. Untreated pain can result in poor wound healing.
3. Patients with uncontrolled pain have increased risk of blood clots.

Rationale:
Narcotics result in addiction in less than 1% to 3% of patients. Narcotic addiction occurs in only 1% to 3% of the population. Untreated pain can result in poor wound healing. Pain causes physiological consequences, including poor wound healing. Patients with uncontrolled pain have increased risk of blood clots. Pain causes physiological consequences, including coagulation leading to DVT or PE. Dehydration can result from poorly managed pain. There is no evidence that poor pain relief will cause dehydration. Family members will not want to visit patients with visible signs of pain. There is no evidence that poor pain relief will cause family members to refuse to visit.