A patient recovering from surgery reports a pain level of 6 on a 0 to10 pain scale but refuses additional pain medication to avoid becoming addicted. The nurse's response should focus on which concept?

Question

1. The patient may not understand the importance of treating pain.
2. The patient may already have an addiction problem.
3. The patient might benefit from a placebo dose.
4. The physician should be notified to discuss pain management.

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Patients might fear "addiction" or physical dependence on pain medications, especially opioids, postoperatively. The nurse should discuss the importance of treating pain but should honor any cultural considerations.
Rationale 2: The patient who already has an addiction problem is more likely to request more medication, not refuse it.
Rationale 3: The patient is verbalizing pain, so administration of a placebo is unethical and does not honor the patient's right to pain management.
Rationale 4: It is within the scope of the nurse's practice to review and make decisions with the patient regarding safe use of pain medications that have been ordered by the physician. The physician does not need to be called at this time unless the nurse's interventions are unsuccessful.