A patient diagnosed with bursitis asks the nurse, "Why do you keep asking what my pain level is? Don't you believe me?" How should the nurse respond?
1. "It is important to know your pain level so that we can provide you with the best medication."
2. "If you don't want the medication, you don't have to take it."
3. "I can't give you the medication unless I know what your pain level is."
4. "I don't understand why you are concerned about my questions. Would you clarify?"
Correct Answer: 1
The nurse should explain the importance of assessing for pain so that appropriate medication can be provided. Asking the patient to rate the pain on a scale of 0–10 before and after any intervention is important to assess the effectiveness of the chosen pain relief strategy. The patient did not express concern or refuse medication. The nurse should address the patient's question.
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