What is the primary reason the nurse incorporates pain assessment as a part of vital signs measurement?
a. Asking about pain may prompt patients to report pain more readily.
b. Frequent pain assessment is required by the state's nurse practice act.
c. Pain is a vital sign much like blood pressure and heart rate.
d. Pain assessment indicates the nurse cares about the patient.
A
Patients often internalize their pain experience. Therefore, a regular pain assessment helps the nurse and patient to communicate and better collaborate on the goals of pain therapy and ways to achieve better pain relief. The nurse practice act does not specify timing of interventions. Pain is not a vital sign; instead, pain assessment might be performed regularly, just like a vital sign assessment, for more effective pain management. Although asking how the patient feels and to rate the intensity and describe the quality of pain is an indication of caring, the goal of pain assessment is to optimize pain management.
You might also like to view...
A patient with type 2 diabetes achieves adequate glycemic control through diet and exercise
Upon being admitted to the hospital for a cholecystectomy, however, the patient has required insulin injections on two occasions. The nurse would identify what likely cause for this short-term change in treatment? A) Alterations in bile metabolism and release have likely caused hyperglycemia. B) Stress has likely caused an increase in the patient's blood sugar levels. C) The patient has likely overestimated her ability to control her diabetes using nonpharmacologic measures. D) The patient's volatile fluid balance surrounding surgery has likely caused unstable blood sugars.
A client involved in an automobile accident is brought to the emergency unit with abdominal trauma. What clinical manifestations are indicative of moderate hypovolemic shock?
A. Bradycardia and listlessness B. Diaphoresis and anuria C. Rebound tenderness D. Abdominal distention
A patient is receiving IV amphotericin B (Fungizone) for a systemic fungal infection. Which assessment parameter should you perform to determine whether the patient is having an adverse reaction to the therapy?
a. Measure abdominal girth for presence of ascites b. Assess mouth and oral cavity for candidiasis c. Assess infusion site for phlebitis d. Assess calves for pain
A patient asks about the use of complementary alternative therapies to aid with chronic constipation. Which of the following should the nurse instruct this patient to avoid?
a. Cascara sagrada bark b. Mineral oil c. Senna d. Ginger root